I once rode a horse one hundred miles in a day, through a forest fire with a woman on a mule named Danny who sang songs she’d made up to help pass the time…
Author: JaimeHope
Violin teacher and endurance rider living in a rural mountain county - one of the least population dense and without a single stoplight.
What does it take?
This reminded me how in order to make any change in our lives, there usually has to be some kind of pain that is enough to force an action. We humans are funny that way. If it aint broke, we don’t fix it, and if it is broke, we usually consider replacing it with something new before taking on the discomfort to make the changes that could bring a shift. I find myself no different than the rest of humanity here.
The subversive temptation of where
When my sanity returns, I don’t have a need to inflict punishment on those who are blocking my desired outcome. The process of how I move through this situation becomes more important than where the process takes me. I remember that how and why I do things defines who I am more than where I end up.
The Real Passion
It’s already day two of the new year. Winter is not my favorite season, but not my least favorite either. Overnight we had a dusting of snow, enough to put … Continue reading The Real Passion
Four Words
In truth, I don’t feel very settled in all of this. I feel like I should be basking in the glory of God’s promises, I should be rejoicing in all the good he has done for us… but the truth is I feel unstable and strangely hollow at times. For the first time I begin to relate to the author of Ecclesiastes who laments that in great blessing or great struggle… all is vanity and a chasing after the wind.
Present, Relaxed and Ready
Do I really believe that I can trust God to take care of the entire environment (the universe around me) and lead me through the passageways and narrow gates that are for me? I find myself when I’m honest, thinking it’s my job to figure it all out. This means I have to be pretty busy, and busy minded in order that I don’t miss anything important.
Unforced Rhythms of Grace
She would take hold of the bow like a club with a tight fist and drag it almost violently back and forth across the violin that sat precariously in front of her on her collar bone- not balanced on the shoulder where it would eventually need to rest in order to move to richer sounds and advanced playing ability.
Mighty Peace
When the LORD speaks, life bursts forth! His voice brings the crumbling of false walls, false selves, false barriers. The voice of the LORD reveals truths previously hidden or obscured. The voice of the LORD obliterates chains and forms of bondage.
Harvest
I have been praying, planting and nurturing, and enjoying the simplicity of planning and planting seeds. It all seems very manageable when you are in that place. And now this year, I am becoming overwhelmed with the fruit! My dream is turning into a bit of a nightmare!
But Not So For You
As the revelation dawned that once again I am seeing the people who create speed bumps and potholes in what I am certain is my well-deserved straight path before me I remember the sons of thunder from Luke 9:54 (“Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”) I imagine Jesus shaking his head at them, and at me, wondering when will you get it?
The Jael Finishing School for Ladies 