If you were to visit my home right now, you may be served leftovers or cheese and crackers. But they would be good leftovers. What I have to offer you here are some good leftovers from the past few years of blogs. If you wondered about any of the recipes I have shared before, they are in one of these links. If you need to get your heart focused on the true meaning of Christmas, there are some good reflections below.
Author Archives: Keri Willis
Epidemic of Loneliness A Biblical Response
Sometimes the Lord will use loneliness to help us rest, even when we are resisting it. Reflecting on God’s goodness and blessing in our lives can dissipate the feelings of loneliness.
Destination RESToration: Remove Rinse and REST
If you feel like you have messed up God’s masterpiece, don’t worry, He is in the business of restoration. He has all the equipment and knowledge to restore your masterpiece to its original purpose and beauty and He has all the time in the world… literally.
Destination RESToration: Call the Carpenter
We don’t want to ask for help or let anyone see our flaws. We make a mess of things and ask for help after the fact. Or worse, we make a mess and then just try to hide so no one will discover our failures.
Destination RESToration: Restored Communion with God
When I brought home an old worn out table that was bound for the trash, the first thing I did was sand a little corner and wipe it down with water to see what it would look like after the restoration process was finished. It was beautiful. But I recognized that there was work ahead. It NEEDED restoration. It might be messy, but it was going to be so worth it!
Destination RESToration: Preparation for Restoration
Are you fighting battles that would be better fought if you had the shield of faith covering you? Do you put on the breastplate of righteousness to guard your heart? Are your feet fit with the Gospel of Peace?
Destination RESToration Restored to our Original Purpose
Honestly, I don’t want to live with an old, damaged, ugly, useless spirit. I don’t want to be a fixer upper, I want to be the Restored. So how do we get there?
Destination RESToration
Do you ever feel like an old run-down building, searching for the beauty within? Do you have trouble seeing yourself the way God sees you?
The Freedom of Dependence ~ A Mother’s Day Challenge
I have pondered the thought over and over: When my goal of raising my children is to teach them to be capable, independent, God-loving people, why is it so hard when they reach that point?
Splendor and Majesty ~ Imago Dei
The thought took my breath away. When my Heavenly Father looks into my eyes, does He see a reflection of himself?
Teachers, Why We Do What We Do, And a Book Review
So teachers, this is why we do what we do.
Splendor and Majesty ~ The Trees of the Field Clap Their Hands
Like David wandering in the wilderness of Judah, I have said in my heart, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1-2). But it’s there that my rings become wider and stronger. The dry valleys are a time of revealing whether what I learned up in the mountains has taken root in my heart.
Did Mary Know?
She most likely knew the joy and heartbreak that was prophesied, in Isaiah, of the life… and death of the Messiah. Her precious baby boy was going to change the world. He was going to bring great joy and suffer great pain and anguish. He was going to bear the sins of all mankind. And she still said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
Splendor and Majesty ~ Let Heaven and Nature Sing
Listen for the wind blowing the leaves of a tree. Be silent and eavesdrop on the bird’s song. Sit still and hear the river’s current splashing over rocks or the quick splash of the fish jumping out of the water. Listen to the waves crash on the shore. Take time to enjoy the laugh of a baby who sees and elephant for the first time.
What Are You Doing to Prepare for Advent?
I celebrated Christmas. It was a meaningful time of celebrating Christ’s birth with family and friends. I love the music, the time sitting in my home with just the fireplace and the Christmas tree to light and give warmth. But the idea of “preparing for Advent” escaped me.
Splendor and Majesty ~ Absence of Light
Our world may seem dark to you today. Let the words of God’s light fill your life. Know that He is with you, guiding you and holding your hand. In Him there is no darkness. Rest in His magnificent light.
Splendor and Majesty ~ Light
Have you ever stopped to consider why, before God created anything else, He said “Let there be light?” God, in His infinite power and wisdom, did not need the light to see what He was doing, yet the moment He spoke light into existence, He saw that it was good.
Do You Have FOMU (Fear of Messing Up)?
He can make a masterpiece of our mess.
Book Review ~ A Grace Filled Homestead by Lana Stenner
What a fun and inspirational book. Lana blends her love of life on the farm with practical and biblical application. Her writing invites you into her home and heart in a way that makes you appreciate God in the simple things of life, like baby goats and fluffy chickens. Her recipes are simple and delicious!Continue reading “Book Review ~ A Grace Filled Homestead by Lana Stenner”
Splendor and Majesty – Be Still and Listen
Just like God spoke to Elijah, He has spoken to us. He tells us we are never alone; “I will never leave you or forsake you” Hebrews 13:5) And that He is enough: “Lord you are my portion” Lamentations 3:24) and that He will walk through the water and fire with us. Isaiah 43:2-4
