The first thing I noticed about him was that he was reading. Then I noticed he was reading a Christian book—and had a journal on his table.   Earlier that day I’d had a conversation with a friend about some book that teaches women how to get dates and “put themselves out there.” I knew without reading the book that I would never measure up, becoming a flirty, spunky, “Hi-what’s-your-name?” kind of girl around men I don’t know.   That conversation was ringing in my mind as I glanced at this guy across the pages of my own book. I couldn’t get up the nerve to strike up a conversation, even to...

You are Beyond – Above – Higher and Highest:   You are the one who surpasses all. You rise above thought, imagination, dream, desire   and fulfill what we did not know we longed for—   oh, how wonderful You are, and terrible in one. Awesome, to be feared:   Sovereign.   In that word is my sanctuary, in that word is my fear   in that word Your goodness permeates until my heart is at rest, until my hands open and release,   until my spirit receives   that which is Above, Beyond, Higher and Highest.  ...

Quite some time ago, I entered a bookstore café to do some writing and snagged the only empty seat left, one of two armchairs with a small side table between them. The other armchair was occupied by a man who, I noticed, was not wearing a wedding band.   As I settled in, my internal monologue went something like this: There’s no way that guy would happen to be a Christian, but even if he were, what are the odds that he would speak to me?   But I was wrong.   Soon the guy started talking to me, and he did happen to be a Christian, which was obvious based on the content of our...

Who can know the heart like You— Its needs and wants, its pleasures small Its grief and joy, its prayers—all Is known and heard by You. All will be answered, all made new.   Who can dream the dreams of God? The breath of life within our souls; The stars above, the fields below; How justice touched by mercy’s rod Can ransom sinners through His blood?   Who else deserves such trusting praise; Whose image shines in every face; Who gives the lonely each a place And is the rest in troubling days, The Promise kept in every age?   Who but You, and You alone; Unsurpassable, not fully known Yet...

I’m sitting at Starbucks, and a tall man at the next table has caught my eye. His hair is graying, he’s wearing fashionable jeans and glasses, and he’s scratching away—no doubt with some form of mysterious male handwriting—in a small black journal.   I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed men writing in journals as I’ve sat at various coffee shops around town. For some reason, it always surprises me. And makes me happy.   Obviously, I find something attractive about it. Whether I end up with a journal-writer or not, seeing these men makes me think that perhaps there is a kindred...

O God of Higher Ways, O Lord of Greater Thoughts:   You have graced my life thus far with more than I could have guessed.   In Your thoughts redemption originated; in Your gift of Christ it was accomplished.   Your heart and mind overwhelm me, yet Your Spirit brings comfort and peace.   Oh Father, You know the full number of my days and the hundreds of little destinies within each one. Open my eyes to see them. Empower my feet to follow You.   I release my limited dreams and desires to You. Sweep me into the star-filled skies of Your possibilities, into the length and breadth...