Emma Veronica

        The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. We know these by heart; we may even know a song to remember them.  We recite them time after time, but how often do we check to see if these fruit are actually evident in our lives? If you're like me, it's not as often as I should.          And what has happened to gentleness? I won't make the argument that it's more important than any of the other fruits, but I feel it has become far too easily forgotten in our time-- gentleness in word, in action, and in spirit.         So what is it-- gentleness, I mean? The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered." Okay. In biblical terms, gentleness is associated with humility and love. Paul does not simply encourage us to ac...

In the beginning was the WORD Breath that came from the mouth of God Sound formed and lips uttered and creation sprang forth. What did it sound like?  Was there even sound? Almighty Creator, the Great I Am. He spoke the world into motion. At the sound of His voice  the winds and waves stopped fast in their tracks, men fell to the ground in awe, the dead were raised. He said "it is finished" and my sins were covered in love as white as snow. He is the living WORD. His words spoke through the mouths and hands of disciples. They have spoken to millions and He turned the world upside down. And yet He calls me to write? Who am I to speak His love, to be His disciple? But that still, small voice emerges from my insecurities; He tells me be still and know who He is. His blood saved me, His WORD renews me, His love inspires me to write and share this good news. In the beginning was the WORD.  The WORD is with God.  The WORD ...

Dear Falks, It's me.  I guess you've been on my mind recently as I hear all this talk about life and death, joy and loss.  One year ago you left us. I've been contemplating why your passing has affected me so deeply.  No offense, I just feel that we weren't very close.  And yet, we were.  I vividly remember the first time you heard me sing.  I was absolutely terrified.  I have such a small voice and I knew you wouldn't be able to hear me.  And of course, you'd take that to mean that I didn't know the music and I would fail, and you'd be disappointed in me.  But you proved me wrong.  You took the time to hear my voice and not only did you listen, you reminded me that my voice is significant and strong.  I never told you, but that meant the world to me.  Now I think of you whenever I'm feeling small. I really do miss you dearly.  Thanks again for everything Falks.  Love, Emma

Breathe. Inhale... exhale.  I am alive. The first fragile snowflake falls in December. A field of flowers swaying in a spring breeze. A star shoots past the moon on a warm summer night. The low roll of thunder when a storm begins. A broken pot that sits on the shelf in an old potter's home. I see my Savior in all these things-- my Anchor -- but not in the broken pot. You see, the broken pot is one that simply sits on a wooden shelf.  It collects dust. It is known for its brokenness and it does not serve a purpose. It does not know why the potter keeps it.  But the potter knows. The potter has never forgotten the pot. I am the broken pot. I sit on a shelf collecting dust. I am helpless, hopeless.  I cannot serve my purpose.  Nor any purpose. But one day, the potter takes me from my shelf.  My shattered edges shift and crumble.  It hurts. The potter with gentle hands and loving fingers takes on broken piece ...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To an utterly broken world, Why? A question so frequently asked, but is it ever truthfully answered? So many horrid, horrific, unspeakable things happen day after day. Many to innocent persons. Many overlooked. Dear world, there is one who knows your suffering. No, not simply knows, but feels it in an innermost way, understands so deeply, so intimately. In fact, he suffered every pain this world has to offer. And he still bears the scars. Consider Lazarus' death.  The biblical story that holds the shortest verse in scripture: "Jesus wept." He knows the pain. No matter how big a scar it leaves on your heart or how long it lingers within you.  He knows. He knows and he weeps with us.  He holds us close during tribulation, and he reminds us that he has overcome it all-- we do not have to be overcome by it all. When dark...

This is a piece written in multiple points of view that each offer a new outlook to the same story.                                            -------------------------------------------------                                                          “I stand on the shore and watch as Father helps Mother out of the boat.   Mother said I could take Spot on our outing as long as I watch after him and make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble.   Now I have to run after him because he keeps ...

Girly, keep choosing joy. Joy that only your Heavenly Abba can give. Trust Him. Let Him show you the wonderful ways love can work in your life. You are loved. You are loved. You are loved. You are loved. Think about what this truly means. It's not just a phrase. It is fact. It is truth. It is mercy. When love is able to grow in you, you will overflow until all your broken pieces will spray out love. Submit to God and the devil will flee. He'll run so fast, because Love is a powerful name. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Though the days come when your hair just won't sit right, and those dark circles and spots seem to be making themselves more noticeable than ever, you are beautiful. You are made in the image of God.  He does not make mistakes. Girly, keep choosing joy. The days are long and hard and the to-do list never gets shorter. The anxiety, depression, anger, and fear all seem too big ...