April 6 I had gushed to a friend about all the ways it was too much.  She said it sounded like I was trying to catch the ocean in a tiny cup.  (Smith, Mandy.  “Unfettered” pg 142) Day 41 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.  Click here to read the latest updates on this horrible conflict.  … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

April 5 Our humility now can be the kind that is obedient and active, willing to take up its cross.  We are like David, small enough to know our need for something beyond ourselves yet big enough to step into the fray-even if it’s with nothing but a sling.  (Smith, Mandy.  “Unfettered” pg 127) Day … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

April 4 As the music ended, I remembered how I watched my children dance when they were small.  No thought was given-by me or by them-to how coordinated or attractive or acceptable they were; rather, their exuberant dance was the overflow of their joy and freedom.  And I, as their parent, delighted in their delight.  … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

March 31 I knew revival meant a change in the hearts of human beings to draw us back to God and his mission.  I knew revival meant that in times that seem desperate, when we feel our cultural power slipping, we finally stop grasping for it and turn to our true source of power.  (Smith, … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

March 30 Not only was I learning to be less ashamed of small things, I was beginning to imagine that small things might save us all.  (Smith, Mandy.  “Unfettered” pg 99) Day 35 of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Yesterday Russia stated they would scale back their military invasion and then proceeded to increase their attacks … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

March 26 What if there are miracles happening every moment, and we’re just out of touch with them?  Have you ever considered the miracle of your own heart, beating away faithfully in your chest?…  Open yourself to the ordinary miracles that are no less wonderful because they happen every day.  (Smith, Mandy.  “Unfettered” pg 95) … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

March 25 In John 15, Jesus describes a relationship of restful dependence when he invites us to abide in him as branches abide in their vine.  It makes perfect sense that the branches that are removed from the vine wither and die and those that remain connected continue to flow with sap and burst with … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

March 21 Once we get out of the habits that have kept us independent from God, receiving is inevitable.  (Smith, Mandy.  “Unfettered” pg 93) Day 26 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.  If you are getting numb to the news of this nightmare overseas, click here to read a personal and accurate account from a Ukranian … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

March 16 What might God be waiting to give us if we could just rest in reality shaped by him?  What significant things might we discover if we forgot ourselves on purpose and joined in the general dance?  (Smith, Mandy.  “Unfettered” pg 79) Day 21 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.  Ukranian’s legendary President Zelenskyy will … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion

March 12 What may have begun as whimsy-wandering in the woods, hearing new notes in old songs, watching every sunrise like it was a miracle-catalyzed a radical and terrifying transformation.  But I was simply being called toward the things of the kingdom:  self-giving, believing in mystery, and partnering with a God who is making all … More Common Sense REBORN Devotion