Three weeks ago, my 2009 MacBook Pro bit the dust. First the screen kind of went green, and then it just died. So, I dutifully made my appointment with my local Genius ... ... who told me, "I can't recommend that you fix this computer. They don't make the parts for it anymore." For me, not having a computer is pretty much like a landscaper not having a lawn mower. He can cut the grass with a weed-eater, but it's going to take a lot longer and not be nearly as effective. My … [Read more...] about When an iPad Becomes a Weed-Eater
And It Started with a Caboose Talk
This one stepped into our life in the fall of 2011. His entrance has become a thing of legend in our family. He called my husband, Bill, and asked if they could meet. He wanted to talk to him about dating our daughter, Sara Maria. In true Finley fashion, we decided it wouldn't be enough for David to simply meet Bill. He needed to meet the whole family. Since David and Sara Maria were in school about 3 hours away, I found a spot I thought would be absolutely perfect halfway between. … [Read more...] about And It Started with a Caboose Talk
5 Ways You Can Grow in Your Spiritual Gifts
Are you working to grow in your spiritual gifts? Some people supernaturalize spiritual gifts to the point that they become this mysterious, almost magical thing. In my understanding of spiritual gifts, they are a talents, gifts, or abilities that are infused with the power of the Holy Spirit. Some of the gifts are more mysterious. Like speaking in tongues, healing people, and prophecy. Some are less mysterious. Like administration, hospitality, teaching ... But here's the deal, … [Read more...] about 5 Ways You Can Grow in Your Spiritual Gifts
This One is Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Created by a loving Father who sings "Princess" over her heart. Shaped and formed, a jar of clay, to shine redemption into the world. Although she took her first breath an ocean away, we've known her for nearly half her life now. Through a long, hard labor ... she became a sister and a daughter. This becoming a daughter is never easy. Not for you, or for me. It's messy ... And fun ... Just a bit crazy. And so very, very beautiful. Today we celebrate Katya's 14th birthday. This daughter … [Read more...] about This One is Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
That Trial You Didn’t Choose
I love my work with RiverCross. I can honestly say that I believe that the Lord has been preparing me for this work all of my life. But with RiverCross, one of the trials I face is raising financial support for my salary. I wouldn't have chosen this trial. It was almost enough for me to walk away. But to walk away would have been to ignore God. I simply couldn't do that. I love him too much. So, I'm still walking out this trial. But, let me be honest ... not with pure joy. This … [Read more...] about That Trial You Didn’t Choose
Do You Have a Project You Need to Complete?
Is there something in your life that you've left hanging? A charge that was given to you that you've failed to execute? A project you need to complete? I do. In August, 2013, God spoke to my heart calling me to write a series called Riverside. For fourteen weeks, I walked verse-by-verse through the book of Philippians. On November 30th, I hit "publish" on my final post of the series. But I knew that the project was not complete. I knew I was supposed to take that work and turn it into … [Read more...] about Do You Have a Project You Need to Complete?