Have you heard of the 7/11 rule of gift giving? At first glance, the 7/11 rule for gift-giving seems like a fool-proof ratio of how big, how expensive, how often gifts should be given. While I have shared ideas about gift-giving structure, this rule has nothing to do with that. This is a rule for…
Do You Need An Empty Christmas?
There’s an empty space in my Christmas tree. It’s not a cute, minimalist kind of empty space. It’s the kind of space that yawns at me with its undecorated nakedness. I keep it empty though, because emptiness is what Christmas is all about. Surprised by that last statement? I was too when the Lord prompted me to embrace…
Need a Remedy for Panic?
Are you feeling afraid or overwhelmed today? You know it well, I am sure—the way a small piece of life can steal your peace in life. This week I prayed with many of you, anxious about the unknown or uncomfortable. Some of you fear the rising global events, or raising a growing family. Others are…
How To Manage the Silent To-Do List
hen I prioritize His still small voice above the “silent to-do list”, I am set free! Now tidying and decluttering are a form of worship and obedience to Christ to steward my space well, not a response to the demands of the “silent to-do list”.
5 Ways to Tackle Heart Clutter
Have you ever let fear clutter your heart? We have 1 valentine’s balloon left. It’s the last of the “heart clutter” that invaded our home this month. Sadly, I was not as efficient with the space in my soul. The Problem: Heart Clutter My heart is cluttered with fear. I can tell because I am:…
Rosty Family 2022 Year in Review
What a year! In 2022, the Lord decided to stretch our imagination and redefine our idea of destination. Like the old nursery rhyme about a curious bear, we went over the mountain… why? Well, to see what we could see! We have always been invigorated by exploring new places (we checked Oceanside, CA off our…
Are You Weary? (also, announcing my 2023 Word of the Year)
In Matthew 11, Jesus calls us to “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 ESV We have a lot of work ahead of us this…
Stay Present Summer (Part 7: Together)
Sure, church is not always fun, easy, or even comforting… but you can be. You can connect with, sing next too, smile at, offer a hug or social-distant wave, and study God’s Word alongside fellow believers. And when you do, you add that irresistible flavor to the mix.
Stay Present Summer (Part 6: Noticing)
o be honest, I am quick to notice the exciting camping trip my friend is posting about online (swipe), the romantic anniversary my sister enjoyed with her husband (swipe), and the glamorous private pool another friend gets to lounge beside. And by notice, I mean envy.
I am so quick to notice the negative or to compare my life, my body, my yard, my kids, my activities, and even my relationship with God to someone else’s.
Maybe you can relate? Like me, maybe you are already an expert at staying present, you just live in the moment for all the wrong things!
Sadly, we’ve lost the art of noticing what actually brings us joy. It’s time to shift the narrative. It’s time for a Stay Present Summer.
Stay Present Summer (Part 5: Enjoy!)
Play is such an important indicator of trust. Martin Luther put it this way: “You have as much laughter as you have faith.” When you engage in play, you surrender the assumption that you alone can meet all your needs.