Female in Motion

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 (KJV) But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. It was so quiet. There was no sound at all...no birds chirping, no voices around me, nothing but stillness. It was remarkably peaceful and I had no sense of fear. I lay on that high school soccer field for what seemed like hours, but was more likely moments. And then I gasped, rolled over onto my belly, and coughed until my breath came back to me. The ball that had knocked me down was now in the hands of the referee, who was standing over me, smiling. "You okay?" he asked. I've ...

Proverbs 31:22 (KJV) She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.    As a kid, I thought my mom was beautiful. (Now that I'm older, I know she is.) On Parents Night at school, I would drag her around from classroom to classroom, introducing her to teachers and friends alike. She always had on a warm smile and a lovely outfit. I'm so proud to be her daughter. When I was in the trenches of motherhood, the day-to-day whirlwind of activity would sometimes leave me numb. I barely had time to shower daily, much less put on an attractive ensemble and do my makeup. Pouring all my energy into making well-rounded, intelligent and independent human beings left very little time for spa days and spiritual retreats.  I have trouble sustaining momentum in personal health. For several months, or even a year or two, I will get plenty of rest, exercise, eat right and take time for prayer and meditation. Then, something small will change and I'm off th...

Job 14:7-9 (KJV)   For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. When I was a kid, my brother and I spent many afternoons down at Spring Creek. Riding our bikes and building forts were two of our favorite pastimes. There were plenty of trees to choose from, in which to build our mighty fortresses. As time passed, more and more trees were hewn down, to make way for new housing developments. Dave and I jumped from stump to stump, making our way across the woods. Occasionally, a delicate green stalk would emerge from the otherwise dead tree base. I stopped to peer deeply into the crevice, wondering what lay beneath the surface. Hope is like that, simmering just below the crust--full of the promise of new life. Our mortal bodies will...

Three of my favorite verses on hope are contained in the third chapter of Lamentations. Wait a minute, Female in Motion! Isn't Lamentations about sorrow and sadness? Sure, friend, but what is God's answer? Hope in Him. Lamentations 3:21 (KJV) This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. Short and to the point. When I remember what God has done for me, it gives me hope for the future. When times of adversity flow over me like water, I know that my Father's sheltering hand will protect me. It is when I am at my lowest, that I remember His height, and at my smallest, I know He is larger than any problem. Lamentations 3:26 (KJV) It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Quietly waiting is not one of my strong suits, but I will sing praises to Him, and read the Word, and pray for a clear sign, so when God's timing is right, I will understand and be ready. Lamentations 3:24 (KJV) The LORD is my portion, saith m...