The things my children say–and I in response to them–would never have crossed my imagination prior to having offspring of my own. You just can’t believe the quirky quips they toss….without even trying. At lunch time last week, my youngest–and most talkative–assessed the items on his plate. “What is this orange thing here?”My response: “Um, […]
Author: kristinlhanley
God’s Plumb Line May Not Be What You Think
Growing up in a house of builders, I learned early on the value of a measuring tape, level, and T-square. And not just valuable tools, but necessary, unless you wanted to mirror Green Acres (sorry, if you are too young to understand that cultural reference). As in constructing a house, building a life requires exact […]
When the Future Freaks Me Out: What about ‘What if’?
Several years ago, when our children were still preschool age, a spring storm assaulted our town. The tornado alarm on our weather radio erupted with abrupt concern and we knew a twister was coming close to our subdivision. Having no basement, my husband and I deliberated. Do we drive the five minutes to my folks’ […]
Your Own Shoes
When I was a teenager, I loved wearing chunky heels. At five feet, ten inches, my footwear wasn’t even slightly sensible, but they made me feel both lovely and powerful, so I wore them. After three children and numerous spinal issues, my shoes are more down-to-earth–literally.
Leaving a Life of Shame
Lately, I’ve noticed several faith-based songs affirm this cultural trend to live a life without regrets. Personally, I think regret is a healthy thing. We don’t learn or grow if we have no regrets. Remorse leads us to repentance and renewal. Furthermore, Jesus calls us to examine and turn away from our life of sin. […]
3 Words that Will Help You Say ‘No’
I’m a guilt-prone, overly-responsible, passionate and protective firstborn. Within my strengths creep my weaknesses. For example, my fervor and determination can often be interpreted as anger or antagonism. My prophetic tendencies to speak truth often get me blasted by those who don’t appreciate accountability or questions. Although I don’t enjoy confrontation like some, I won’t […]
The Humility of Christmas
This last week I’ve had one of those “sacred echo” moments where everything I read pointed back to one word: humility. My Advent reading, a message I listened to, a Facebook post, Scripture…all declaring a point of purpose: “Are you listening, Kristin?” I’m trying, Lord. But, humility is a painful lesson. Honestly, I waver between pride […]
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Depression: Back By Unpopular Demand
Wouldn’t it be great if healing from depression was as easy as swiping your finger across a screen. Sad face? No worries. Now you are happy! Ironically, most people that struggle with depression have no trouble putting on a smile. They may even appear–to most people–as content and joyful. The shame or fear of judgement […]
Loving Your Prince
Growing up, I delighted to uncover the reality where princes and queens still live in the world. Despite their younger age, I imagined what it would be like to marry Prince William or Harry. What would it be like to have the world watch on as I walked down the aisle at Westminster Abbey? What […]
Is December 25th for the Pagans or Christians?
The perils of doing yoga have flooded the news this fall. Pastors and Christian leaders have declared yoga an evil practice because of its pagan origins. I’d agree that using certain words (namaste, om, etc.) and emptying the mind or worshiping the sun god with mantras is absolutely counter to our beliefs and dangerous to […]