Restoring Hearts Blog

“There is harmony and consistency in all God’s works.” By J. Lathrop When I was a young mom I learned the value of traditions.  Celebrating holidays with the same traditions year after year began to breed security in my children.  They expected homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning along with a handmade ornament for each of them.  St. Patrick’s Day welcomed green scrambled eggs with ham and the list goes on and on.  When it comes to traditions, one thing became clear t

“Anxiety has its use, stimulating us to seek with keener longing for that security where peace is complete and unassailable.” St. Augustine of Hippo I awoke early with a paralyzing weight of anxiety on me. I realized I needed to leave my comfort zone to fulfill God’s assignments. I wasn’t fully sure of what God wanted, what it would look like and how much time it would require. Anxiety producing thoughts such as these swirled around my mind: Am I able to do what He’s asked me

“It is in silence that God is known, and through mysteries that He declares Himself.” Robert Hugh Benson In the middle of my quiet time with the Lord, He nudged me to go sit out on the deck and listen to Him speak. I gladly obeyed and said, “This is the life Lord, sitting out here, having time alone with You!” I thought to myself, “Some things never change.” I desperately desired time alone with my earthly dad, as a little girl, because it was so rare. The few “dates” I did

“What difference does it make to you what someone else becomes, or says, or does? You do not need to answer for others, only for yourself.” Thomas a Kempis Since responsibility is my number one strength, it’s easy for me to take on what is really other people’s responsibility. And when I do that, worry opens the door to my heart, climbs up on the couch, and makes itself right at home. Recently I found myself fretting over a possible outcome for a loved one’s life. I would w

“You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.” St. Augustine of Hippo With the holidays right around the corner, our hearts may start singing, “Tis the season to be anxious, Fa-la-la-la-la.” I become stressed when the calendar fills up with too many commitments and I plummet into despair when I can’t fulfill my responsibilities. Some time last summer, my anxiety level climbed to the top of my meter. I can’t even remember what I

“Anything that doesn’t reflect the character of God is not a message from Him.” Priscilla Shirer We hear God’s voice more often than we realize. If I’m not careful I will miss His gentle nudge, mistaking it for me. I sometimes see a phrase go across my mind like a ticker tape transmitting stock prices over telegraph lines. Other times God will speak to me through impressions, dreams, visions, word pictures or a highlighted Scripture verse. God uses many venues to speak to us,

“Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered on anything short of God.” Billy Graham Anxiety is on the increase and the times we live in today encourages insecurity. So how can we rise above our fear and live a life full of faith? Try the following suggestions: Starve what feeds your fear. Consider limiting what you read, watch or hear that spurs on more fear. Fear gets stronger when we feed it. Spend time in God’s Presence, knowing He is always with us. Isaiah

“I cannot be the man I should be without times of quietness. Stillness is an essential part of growing deeper.” Charles R. Swindoll My family and I went on a short-term mission trip to Kenya, the summer of 1992. While there we learned a phrase in Swahili: “Haraka Haraka Haina Baraka.” This proverb’s translation is: “Hurry, hurry, has no blessings.” I have found this to be true when I rush around or fill up my calendar with a jam-packed schedule. Living under a performance min

“Of all the acts of man repentance is the most divine. The greatest of all faults is to be conscious of none.” Thomas Carlyle House cleaning is therapeutic. Most of my life I haven’t really enjoyed cleaning but last week I crossed over to the other side as I pondered its benefits. Working hard, like any exercise, releases endorphins. Accomplishment brings satisfaction. Not having clutter staring me in the face and restoring order to my house gives me peace. Even the microwave

“We become troubled because we have not been taking Him into account.” Oswald Chambers I awoke with fear and anxiety gripping my heart on our third day of cycling the Canadian Rockies. I attempted to shake my anxious thoughts away by various means. I tried telling myself the truth about the upcoming fifty-plus mile bike ride for the day. I repented of my fear. I gave God thanks. I quoted Scripture. John and I prayed together and took authority over the spirit of fear. God rem

“He gives Himself to those who have made a place for Him.” Jeanne Guyon God wants you entirely for Himself. One way Jesus knows He has us for Himself is by the position we seek. In Psalm 84:10, the psalmist writes, “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Choosing one day in God’s presence was more of a priority than living a thousand days without God. Taking the

“It is not our trust that keeps us, but the God in whom we trust who keeps us.” Oswald Chambers How do you handle fear? Do you run away or run to the pantry? Do you immerse yourself in a hobby or sweat if off through exercise? Or do you put your trust in God like King David did? Even though David was being chased by King Saul and was seized by his enemies, the Philistines, David still placed his trust in God. “When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise

“To him who still remains in this world no repentance is too late. The approach to God’s mercy is open, and the access is easy to those who seek and apprehend the truth.” St. Cyprian A few weeks ago I had a professional organizer come to my house. I have been talking and praying about de-cluttering and organizing my house for years but needed the wisdom, expertise and accountability from another person. Clutter depresses me while having things in its place gives me peace. I n