The world’s perspective says I should focus on self-care … But God’s perspective says, “Look at the lavish way I am pouring out my love for you. I am pouring out more blessings than you can hold.”
Author Archives: Nicki Dechert Carlson
UNQUESTIONABLY His
Who are you? And who am I? Famous philosopher Aristotle reportedly said, “We are what we repeatedly do.” Although I do agree that our habits and activities characterize us, I do not believe they are the essence of our actual being. If Aristotle were entirely correct, I would be coffee. If weContinue reading “UNQUESTIONABLY His”
POTENTIALLY His
That small, whole coffee bean I found this morning serves as a perfect reminder of the link between suffering and potential. Jesus, too, had to endure violent suffering before He could reach His full potential and purpose. Just for a moment, try to imagine Jesus without the torment of the cross…
INTIMATELY His
As we enter this season, I am asking myself some difficult questions to guide me through this holy time of year. I pray this checklist may offer you some guidance as well.
INSTINCTIVELY His
The familiar pop and whack of tennis balls hitting the strings of a racquet filled the air, accompanied by the high-pitched squeak of tennis shoes abruptly starting and stopping on the asphalt tennis court. My daughter, sweating profusely and after missing the last eight shots in a row, put her hands on her kneesContinue reading “INSTINCTIVELY His”
ATTENTIVELY HIS
My newly-turned-sixteen-year-old daughter sat beside me in the passenger seat while I drove her to school in the darkness of early morning. She exudes joy regardless of the time of day, while I am decidedly not a morning person. My girl loves nothing more than riding in a car, windows all the way down withContinue reading “ATTENTIVELY HIS”
FOR THE LOVE OF DAVID
The doorbell rang and I got up from the couch where I was watching a Disney movie with my child who was home from school sick that day. Opening the door, I saw an elementary-aged David Palestrant and his mom, Doe Palestrant, who lived on the street behind us. “Hi!” I exclaimed. “WhatContinue reading “FOR THE LOVE OF DAVID”
Genealogically His
This morning started in a not-unusual way for me: praying in the shower. Knowing I had carved time out of my schedule today to write this laity devotional, I specifically prayed, “God, clear out my own ideas of what I should write about, and instead, tell me what You want to say.” I finishedContinue reading “Genealogically His”
ANXIOUSLY His
This morning I very intentionally went outside to the back deck, coffee in hand, for some quiet time with God. I earnestly tried to let go of the worries and fears that seem to obsessively and endlessly circle my mind lately. Just moments before, inside the house, I shared with my husband my recent strugglesContinue reading “ANXIOUSLY His”
PERFECTLY His
When I was in high school, a coach by the name of Grant Palmer asked me to lead a devotional for a Fellowship of Christian Athletes gathering. Despite my nerves about speaking so vulnerably in front of my peers, I selected a Bible verse, prayed over it, and wrote out a message. I choseContinue reading “PERFECTLY His”
Expressively HIS ... 