Back view of woman with brimmed straw hat, standing in field of tall grass, her arms outstretched at her side, her face toward the setting (or rising?) sun

Cries of the shunned

In the middle of that dark-valley time, I often found myself alone with God, crying aloud and writing passionately in my journal. During that time too, I came to identify with David, the shepherd-poet-warrior-king, in ways I had not before. For David was also ostracized by people he trusted. And he cried out in distress - and in faith.

From cover of Return to Your Rest: new growth on a tree, with slender green leaves

The blessing of rest

Real rest is so different from what I had thought. It’s so much more expansive, and desirable, and enjoyable. And it’s so very vital. Thing is, I desperately needed real rest long before I knew I needed it. I had no clue how rest-deprived I was.

Two deer drink from a mountain stream that runs through a wooded valley beside a gray slat fence. A shaft of sunlight shines down from above.

My cup overflows: Resting in God’s favor

I praise you, Lord my Shepherd. You have overcome for me all the shame that ever has or ever will attach to me. You are teaching me to overcome it too. By your grace, I drink deeply of your favor, and it restores my rest.

A man stands on a a rock ledge, looking out across a sea of clouds. Black, blue and gray arrows drawn onto the photo point in all different directions

The enemies of rest

I’ve updated Return to Your Rest, and included a chapter about enemies of rest I have faced. May God give us courage to rise up in the face of all that fights against it - and to return to rest.

From Gone with the Wind, Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara staring into each other's eyes

How do I tell you?

  • Post category:From: We Confess!
  • Post last modified:September 25, 2025

Shame that’s exposed hurts like hell. But only – only – when brought out into the light can shame be dealt with and sent away.