For me, one of the greatest gifts of Sunday, is the reminder that I need to be still before the Lord and allow the surrender to free me from the burdens that so easily weigh me down.
Author Archives: Keri Willis
Who, What, Where, When, & How of Prayer
Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up
From One-Word Prayers to Conversations With the Father
Can you imagine having unlimited access to the President of the United States? What would you say if you could have only one hour with him? You have a direct line to the Creator of the universe who not only knows you by name but cares about your every need and desires to have ongoing dialog with you. Don’t waste another minute worrying. Talk to Him.
One-Word Prayers
To pray without ceasing is to keep those phone lines open and clear for communication at any moment. It means that I must remain ready to listen, and He never leaves the conversation. I have direct access to the Creator of the Universe, and He wants to have intense and meaningful communication with me. All too often, we just use this precious gift as a 911 line or a proverbial direct line to the shopping channel, wish list in hand.
Boundaries Book Review
As a student of human behavior, I have often heard the story of the children on a fenced in playground enjoying recess with reckless abandon, while student on a fenceless playground huddled together toward the center of the play area. The fence gave students a sense of security and freedom. It kept them within theContinue reading “Boundaries Book Review”
Do You Have Beautiful Feet
We need to see ourselves through the blood colored glasses that God sees us through, because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalms 139 and even more importantly; We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Sacred Snorkeling
I love how God reveals Himself to me through nature. I have often said there is no separation of the sacred and the secular. Everything is sacred, and that includes snorkeling. In fact, snorkeling is one of the most religious experiences I have ever had.
Silent Night
When my kids were babies, this was our go to lullaby, no matter the season. The peace that filled me flowed out of me and into my babies and brought rest into our home. I want that peace to flow through me again.
Receiving the Gift
Luke 21:1-4 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out ofContinue reading “Receiving the Gift”
My Marie
Today my childhood best friend turns fifty-seven. Why is that significant? Well for all of us every new day is a gift, but for Marie, it is a miracle. Forty years ago, this fall, the doctors diagnosed Marie with Lupus and gave her five years to live. They told her she would never be ableContinue reading “My Marie”
Scones, Skivers and Hospitality: Part Two
Scones, Skivers, and Hospitality: Part Two That hospitality comes in many forms. Sometimes, it is leaving the front door open for us, sometimes it is serving us ice cream. At least once during our time in Solvang, she will insist on us going to the Solvang Restaurant where they serve authentic Danish food. They knowContinue reading “Scones, Skivers and Hospitality: Part Two”
Scones, Skivers and Hospitality
Several years ago, I was having tea with friends at an adorable little tea cottage. We could choose our tea from an extensive list, but our food was a set menu. Two pots of fragrant steaming tea were served with dainty sandwiches and succulent fruit. Anticipating the next round of food, my enthusiasm waned whenContinue reading “Scones, Skivers and Hospitality”
A Cup of Contentment Sweetened with Sprinkles of Gratefulness
1 Timothy 6:6-7 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. I love to give gifts. More than giving them, I love to see that the receiver is grateful and excited to use the gift that I have given. The more IContinue reading “A Cup of Contentment Sweetened with Sprinkles of Gratefulness”
The Shepherd’s Wife (Book Review)
There is nothing better than getting a new book in the mail, except when that book is from a kindred spirit, fellow alum, and amazing author! Angie walks us all over the countryside of ancient Israel as we accompany the brothers and sisters of Jesus in their journeys of faith and family. I could feelContinue reading “The Shepherd’s Wife (Book Review)”
Whatsoever is Lovely
There is so much ugliness in this world. How we respond to the events that unfold this week will be a true test of our character. We can allow ourselves to become angry and overwhelmed by what we see as ignorance or injustice. But what would Jesus do? He would say, “Father forgive them forContinue reading “Whatsoever is Lovely”
I Want Candy!
Cape billowing in the wind, Batman bolted down the street. Recovered plunder in hand, the masked crusader stopped, gazed down into the carrier of priceless treasure and exclaimed “Mom, this is AWESOME!” As a young mother, I was averse to Halloween. I didn’t even let my kids eat candy, why would I let them goContinue reading “I Want Candy!”
Finding Freedom in Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not once and done for us finite and fallible human beings; it is an ongoing process of the heart. Often we can offer forgiveness for an “offense” and never think about it again or look back and even laugh about it. All too often, however, the offense is repeated, the wounds reopened, theContinue reading “Finding Freedom in Forgiveness”
Created to Create
WE ARE CREATED TO BE CREATIVE – A Blog especially for teachers and parents In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… Then God said, “Let us make man in our image.” He looked at what He created and said “It is Good.” Many years ago, I took a group of adults withContinue reading “Created to Create”
The Currency of Friends
If friendship was currency, I would be wealthy… It is a chilly Oregon, fall morning. I hear the rooster crowing, the goats bleating, and I am awaiting my first cup of coffee. I am snuggled in on the hide-a-bed in my friend’s living room and being grateful that I have one so dear to me. Continue reading “The Currency of Friends”
Tears in a Bottle
Tears in a Bottle I cry. A lot. I always have. Not because I am a whiny baby. I cry when I am happy. I cry when I am sad. I cry when I am mad. I cry when I am moved. I cry when I sing. I cry when I speak. I cry whenContinue reading “Tears in a Bottle”
