To be here.

Most of our lives, we're either entering or exiting a wintry chapter. If this resonates with you, don't let that chapter be in vain. As I emerge from my own fog, I fight feeling calloused, disoriented, or even purposeless.  

But I'm reminded of this: I'm still here. 

This reminder orients me to a God who has designed me for His specific purpose that He's accomplishing here and now.  My inability to presently perceive that purpose does not limit our boundless God. Because of our gracious God, that purpose is simultaneously for His glory and my good. 

To be here is to be Christ.

This is true for you. In your dark moment, amidst your confusion, despite your discouragement, please remember you're still here. 

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me." (Philippians 1:21-22 NIV).

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV).

I may or may not select my coffee mug based on my morning mood. Today must be a good one. Merry Christmas in May, everyone.

Much love to you,

Paige

The name.

As you know, my recent blogs have centered on the hard season of late--a season that may be all too familiar to you right now. As much as I love empathy amidst my journey, I'm so sorry for your pain.

But this pain means learning the power of our Lord and Savior. For me, this revelation took root in my prayer life. And to my chagrin, it took me too long to learn this:

There is power in the name of Jesus.

If there is one thing this recent chapter has taught me, it's prayer--but a different kind of prayer, at least for me.

Day after day and often minute after minute, I prayed for my specific request. I would recite extremely detailed prayers ad nauseum. When I perceived my prayers were unanswered, I laid out the logistics of how my petitions should be answered--because surely the God who created and sustains me needed that. 

But my circumstances remained unchanged.

It was to my benefit that I eventually grew weary of detailing for God how my plans should unfold. It was as if I had a recipe for answered prayers--a recipe that felt like it was failing. If only I could say the right words, surely the Lord would hear and answer me. 

At my wits' end, at the end of my rope--I began to pray the name Jesus. Day after day, my prayers became grossly simplified: Jesus, Jesus, and Jesus. And at the point where I had no words, I was praying the most powerful prayer that exists--the name of Jesus. 

Do not be confused: our prayers are not about our words. Our prayers are everything about our hearts and the grace of a God that responds to us. But it took the powerful name of our Jesus Christ to set straight the attitude of my wayward heart. 

My circumstances did change--but had they not, it wouldn't have mattered because my heart had.

When I whisper the name of Jesus, I remember this precious name is the ransom for my debt. When I pray Jesus, I recognize that only He knows what is best, and my heart surrenders to whatever that looks like. When I say the name of Jesus, I invoke the power of a God that formed me from dust, pursues me relentlessly, and designed me for a specific purpose.

And this is equally true for you. And I could go on. And if I seem emotional, I am. When I whisper the name of Jesus, tears often form. 

My life has been changed. I want this for you.

 

"I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name." (1 John 2:12 NIV).

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Acts 2:21 NIV).


"[T]hat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth..." (Philippians 2:10 NIV).

This must be the coffee cup of a highly caffeinated mama with a five-month-old. I wouldn't have it any other way. Bottoms up, dear ones. 

Much love to you,

Paige