2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,who ordered all things mightily;to us the path of knowledge showand teach us in its ways to go. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuelshall come to you, O Israel. O come, O wisdom from on high… The Christmas carol, O Come, O Come Immanuel, is one I have sung during … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.05
“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.”Isaiah 5:20-21 NLT Dear Jesus, I know You know how … Continue reading Hope Seeks the Light
We’re a week beyond Thanksgiving in the US, a holiday of feasts - food, people, football and shopping. Opportunities for indulging our flesh abound. While I believe we have no need to apologize for celebrating the goodness of God, we can certainly agree that we humans have a tendency towards excess, don’t we? One of … Continue reading Left overs…
Wisdom existed before me. When I was born in 1962, wisdom had long spoken, taught and proven herself faithful. Wisdom will outlive me as well. And as I continue to grasp some nuggets of this truth, I become more appreciative of the human capacity to learn. She’s built a firm foundation. “Come and learn.” Thus, … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.04
Winter to spring. Spring to summer. Summer to fall. Seasons blend one into the next. Sometimes on a gentle breeze, and sometimes with harsh storm. Continued from Seasons Blending Jesus, Good Shepherd, taught us everything about His character that we wouldn’t know except that He, in all His goodness, led us all the way through … Continue reading Seasons Blending: His People
Is there anyone who doesn’t want to be wise? By daily, simple interactions with people in our western culture, I tend to believe that most of us want to be thought of as wise. Or at least, to be taken seriously, and perhaps to be thought of as right. God is wisdom, in that He … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.03
Slow down… get quiet… listen. Salutations, dear Reader! It’s almost Thanksgiving in the United States, which means that my thoughts are continually circulating toward God, and my gratitude for all He has brought my dear man and I through this past year, and for the way He is keeping us in His peace. Even through … Continue reading Grateful for you, and plans for the rest of 2023…
I’m in favor of them. I like a ‘to do’ list. I like a list because I like to check off the items as complete. And if I do something that’s not on my ‘to do’ list, I’ll write it in just so I can check it off. Yes, I like to see results. And … Continue reading Results
Wisdom is essential for life, love and a faithful journey. It is not knowledge. Wisdom is not a competitive striving to be right.Wisdom is humility. Seeking the truth of God's goodness and understanding that He is sovereign over all that has ever been created. Wisdom is a searching for the heart of God. Searching the … Continue reading Wisdom Wednesday.02
Continued from Seasons Blending Jesus, Good Shepherd, taught us everything about His character that we wouldn’t know except that He, in all His goodness, led us all the way through this past season, and into the sunshine of a new season. And how exactly did He do that? While I’m inadequate to fully understand God’s … Continue reading Seasons Blending: His presence
“It took us about 30 minutes to adjust to the empty nest.”Randy Brittain Free Birds 2012 Some of you are gone. You’re clicking out because that one-liner just sounds harsh. However, a few of you want to know more. We, many times, but not always, find that the husbands are looking forward to an empty … Continue reading Page 6
I received a couple of pictures in a text earlier in the week. Beautiful colors of yellow, orange and a sprinkle of red popped from the screen. They were in the car, dad driving, and mom snapping pictures with her iPhone and sharing them with me by text. Knowing they were having an adventure made … Continue reading Seasons Blending
Eyes on Jesus and Shine Please check out my books: Author page: Lisa R. Brittain
““But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.”Matthew 25:10 NIV In this parable of Jesus, there were 10 single young women who anxiously awaited the Bridegroom’s arrival. Jesus described 5 as … Continue reading The Door Will Shut
“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!””Luke 10:40 NIV Much has been written about Martha and her sister Mary. I doubt I’ve … Continue reading Striving Doesn’t Set a Beautiful Table
Through the reading of God’s word and watching family grow, Through reading all the posts of you wise souls, faith writers in this online community of writers for Jesus. Through conversations with sisters on FaceTime and by Marco Polo, And through Bible study and fellowship with newly discovered sisters in my new home town, I … Continue reading Discovery
Have you ever felt like you needed to see for yourself? That was me as a kid. Always curious. Always testing. Always asking questions. Always wanting to know why or why not. Never satisfied with a “because I said so” response, but I knew that answer was my cue to take my curiosity somewhere else. … Continue reading He Climbed Up To See
Just now. No filter. A feature of our town that I love most are the mountains. They fascinate me with the varied heights of the peaks, the textures, and shadows, and best of all the variety of colors from day to day and season to season. I’ve looked up almost every morning and evening for … Continue reading Could you please clarify?
I LOVE to dance! I always have. I can remember stacking records (45s remember?) on my record player, grabbing my hairbrush, lip-synching the lyrics, and dancing like Cher, in my South Florida bedroom. There didn’t have to be a reason for dancing. I just loved to dance! My dear man and I don’t often have … Continue reading Someone Said Dance…
A) A promise ring. A promise broken. B) An engagement ring retrieved. C) A consolation prize. “I regret to inform you that you didn’t receive the seal of approval.” D) A wedding ring. Vows. Consecration. Celebration. Witnesses. A promise being fulfilled. E) B & C F) All of the above. Which of these statements above … Continue reading The Promised Marriage Feast
Dear Readers, I'm writing a new series. Come To The Table. It's about the many ways and times God invites us to dine with Him. We find His invitations to His table all throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Visit my website by clicking here.  Click the picture. Click the picture.Browse around my … Continue reading Come To The Table
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind,for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9 NIV Long after Pharaoh employed Jacob’s son, Joseph, as second in command in Egypt, and long after both men were buried, another Pharaoh ruled over … Continue reading His Table Is A Feast Table
Heading south… It’s time! Get ready. They’re on their way! Anticipation. Canadian Thanksgiving is a recent memory, cars are packed, and our northern neighbors are heading back south for winter. This is an exciting time for those of us who have held down the desert fort during the heat of summer. It’s been quiet since … Continue reading Anticipate the Gathering
Siblings. They can be the best of friends, bunk mates, and fishing partners. But when one jumps into the front passenger seat yelling shotgun for the third time in a week, fireworks might ensue. The oldest argues that the youngest always gets her way. While, coincidentally, the youngest makes her case that the oldest always … Continue reading How A Picnic Inspired A Lesson on Compassion
You know a message is really important when three messengers arrive together, out of nowhere, in the middle of the day. And you know someone knows you really well when they happen by your home, unannounced, at a time they know you will be there. Rest in the shade of this tree… This is what … Continue reading A Table Under A Tree
Dear writer friends, Loss. It’s a great word to ponder today. I could write a book on this one word. I bet we all could. It might be why we write. For me, writing is therapy for free. I write my thoughts, my feelings and questions. I write because my head is so full that … Continue reading It’s Why I Write
“The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching. The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.”Luke 22:1-2 NLT Look for the man with the pitcher. Jesus selected two men, Peter and John, to be in charge of … Continue reading Look For The Man Carrying A Pitcher
If you are following along with me on my October writing journey, you know that I’m reading, pondering and writing about the many Biblical events and conversations centered around food and gathering at a table. Come To The Table I’m thoroughly enjoying myself and learning in the process. And not just me. This month long … Continue reading An Attempt To Delight
What does it cost to make room for God? Maybe you already know your answer. However, this is the question I have pondered long into the afternoon. It’s not where I began my day though. As I awoke and came into the reality of a new day, I realized I had been writing my story … Continue reading Take a Raincheck?
Come To The Table. And what if there’s no table? With Jesus it’s enough. Wherever people are gathered outside all day, a picnic is bound to break out. We all have a mom, sister, or bestie who never leaves home for a whole day without packing sandwiches, granola bars, and fruit. Just in case. And … Continue reading You Can Feed Them
Having heard the good news that God was providing for His people in Bethlehem, the two women, Ruth and Naomi, arrived safely in Bethlehem in late spring, just in time for the barley harvest.1 Ruth, the Moabitess, she was the new girl in town. Her only friend was her mother-in-law, Naomi. Have you ever been … Continue reading New Girl in Town
Copy is a fun word. I read the Five Minute Friday word before going to sleep last night. I apparently marinated on the one word in my sleep because I awoke with my mind wandering down a variety of pathways. Copy is complimentary as in requesting the recipe for a dish thoroughly enjoyed. Copy is … Continue reading Copy is…
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:6-7 NLT Come to the quiet. Slow down. … Continue reading Come to the Quiet
“Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.”1 Kings 18:21 I am full of opinions. I used to offer them freely without hesitation. … Continue reading How Long Will You Waver?
a.co/d/biGEZx1 Enjoy an interactive reading, writing, pondering and coloring experience in one 21-day devotional book. Available today on Amazon.com Random Radiance: How a random word can lead your thoughts to Jesus by Lisa R. Brittain with Illustrations by Lisa Anne Tindal Random Radiance: How a random word can lead your thoughts to Jesus
Do you remember when journaling became a thing? I do. And I thought it was funny because I had been writing in a journal, doodling and pondering thoughts on paper for as long as I could remember. Someone in my freshman dorm gifted me with a real hard bound journal for my birthday. It was … Continue reading Why does handwritten matter?
Escape: seeking to be free. Fleeing something or someone. Desiring a change of scenery. Moving away from perceived danger. Running from. Changing boundaries. Getting away from responsibilities. An alternative reality. “Follow Me” ~Jesus Escape, the word at first glance is simple, basic, and common sense. However, the longer I ponder, the deeper and wider my … Continue reading He has made a way of escape…
Have you ever purposefully moved away from your comfort zone? I’m curious, friend, how did you manage? On what or who did you rely? Have you ever felt like a fish out of water? My dear man and I are closing in on 18 months living in a new everything on the opposite side of … Continue reading Fish Out of Water?
I hear it everywhere. People often lament that things have never been so bad in our world. Not just people at church. Random people in the grocery store or walking trails, and always in the media. Doom is predicted everywhere. Something in me prickles when I hear this. It’s not because I wear rose color … Continue reading Therapeutic Thursday: world
With Lisa Anne Tindal, Illustrator. Read, color, write your story Random Radiance, the book, is a collaborative project. The book cover art, and interior coloring page artwork are the original creations of @lisa_anneart on Instagram. The words in the book were written by me, Lisa R. Brittain, and YOU! Yes, you! You are the co-author … Continue reading Random Radiance, the collaboration
…grow fonder. That’s a popular saying, which as a youngster seemed more like a way too small bandaid for such a big wound to the heart. We said goodbye a lot. And it hurt! Even though it can sound like a platitude in the most tender moments, I have found it to be a true … Continue reading Absence makes the heart…
I feel like I’m always running behind. Ask my Mom, I’ve been running late since the day I was born, which she would tell you was a full three weeks behind! If you are an early person, or even an on time person, I saw you. You rolled your eyes. A vein in your forehead … Continue reading Running Behind
Pondering thoughts take me to my Bible in book form, black ink on white pages. My thoughts move toward the words of Isaiah, and my fingers flip through familiar pages. God will replace ashes with a crown of beauty. And what else? What else does God promise to replace for His children who cry out … Continue reading What needs to be replaced?
a.co/d/5YZn2TY Purchase your copy here.Who doesn't have questions in times of uncertainty? We all face dry, scary and disorienting situations that automatically create questions. Let's follow Old Testament heroines, Ruth and Naomi, as they bravely ask, seek and knock on God's promises for protection and provision. We will seek out the Kinsman Redeemer with Ruth … Continue reading 31 Days of Gleaning with Ruth
Dear friend, Yesterday, in a momentary conversation, I learned about a Pacific hurricane by the name of Hilary. We’re now watching and preparing. It could drop a year’s worth of rain in 24-48 hours. In the desert that’s likely to cause flooding. Please pray for us. In all the years I lived in Florida, I … Continue reading There was this moment…
If I ever meet your first husband, I’m going to tell him a thing or two!Randy Brittain While he finished speaking these words, it took me a moment to process the sentiment. Because he is my first, and only, husband. I began to laugh, and responded, “ Oh, you would, wouldn’t you!” His goal each … Continue reading Page 9
a.co/d/eyVp3f3 Launched! The 2nd edition of Gleaning with Ruth features the stunning artwork of Lisa Anne Tindal gracing the cover. New as well is the hardcover edition. Many hearts, minds and hands worked together to help me launch this 5 year anniversary, 2nd edition. Available now on Amazon.com
“Goodbye, Nolie. Goodbye, Buddy.”Whispers in his ear, “You are a good dog!” Tears dripping on his beard, I try to speak, “Thank you for walking innumerable miles at my side. Thank you for protecting me from everything that smelled of harm.” One last paw at my hand to stroke his neck, “You can go now. … Continue reading Goodbye
The Bride longing for her Bridegroom. Watch. Lord, I watch for You. I know You’re on the ready. Whenever Father nods Your way, You, as the eager Bridegroom, will not even hesitate. You are waiting, with great anticipation, to mount Your mighty white steed and retrieve Your Bride. Even as I watch for You to … Continue reading Watch. Weep. Whisper.
Summer tends to lead to longer breaks from corporate worship, Bible study, and discipleship. Not always. But as I chat with women friends, near and far, I sense summer has been hot and full of distractions. It's time to get back into God's Word. It's time to plug back into a faith community. Your dry … Continue reading August Book Sale
Life is full of them, milestones, that is. We want them. We even need them. They help us know that we’re getting somewhere. Just like the mile markers on the highway or signposts on a hiking trail. Milestones are God’s idea. Stone pillars and stone altars were erected by God’s people at various times and … Continue reading Milestone
We all need food. We all walk this common ground. It’s life on a broken Earth, and we all recognize in our unique ways that this brokenness is not as it was supposed to be. Whether you follow Jesus and believe He is the Son of God risen from the dead, as I do, or … Continue reading Common Ground
Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his … Day 4 – What if {hope} is the light leading us back home? Purchase my book at Amazon.com
“No Take Backs”Gary Milford, father of the bride This probably should be page 1, and most likely, one day when we actually publish the book, it will be page one of Marriage One Liners. It was The Agreement between gentlemen. My dear man approached my father as we visited my parents’ home in southern Florida … Continue reading Page 8
Happy Friday, everyone! It’s time to ponder the new writing prompt from Kate, set the timer for 5 minutes, and type. Thank you for reading my words, liking and commenting, and finally, for sharing my post. I appreciate your encouragement. Read my whole post by clicking here. ~~~~~ Immediately, two scripture verses pop to the … Continue reading Decide
It’s been a day since I watched the movie Sound of Freedom, and silently, I keep asking this question, “How do they do it?” If you are unfamiliar with the film and the story on which it’s based, please watch the trailer below. Better yet, buy two tickets and take a friend. It’s not a … Continue reading How Do They Do This Work?
This scripture reminds me again today that God is just so on time. I guess it wasn’t enough that this verse is part of my current week’s Bible study, When You Pray. I know we, my dear man and I, are not the only ones who wonder how long we can continue to pay these … Continue reading Daily Bread
“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”Matthew 7:8 NIV I see now that this is all inclusive. Previous to today’s reading of this scripture I’ve incorrectly interpreted a multiple choice response. It’s not. I’m pondering just now something very uncomfortable. Jesus … Continue reading Seek, Ask and Knock
I awoke this morning. Opening my eyes I squinted at the brightness. And just as my mind comprehended that it was the full moon glaring at me, my alarm began to sing the wake up song. It’s a new day! And I could have missed its dawning. But I didn’t. I opened my eyes and … Continue reading The Gift of a New Day
It's Friday, and for the Americans, Happy Independence Birthday celebration! Speaking of celebration this weekend will be all about cookouts, swimming, dancing, boating, and fireworks - all set to a musical soundtrack. Thank you, Kate, for this Friday word. I have set my timer to 5, and GO! ~~~~~ If I were to put together … Continue reading Music: the soundtrack of your life
To what do I aspire? It seems a popular question for our times. This is not only a question for young people. I hear it in a variety of forms from quite a variety of generations. Especially, it seems, at this graduation time of year. “What’s next?” “What is my passion?” “How can I live … Continue reading Aspire
Kate Motaung has issued the one word SUNSHINE as our word prompt for this week’s 5 minute writing challenge. I could write for days on the memories provoked by this one word; however, I’m setting my timer for 5. ~~~~~ Sunshine. This one word brings a torrential downpour of memories of growing up in the … Continue reading Sunshine
“Please stop answering what you think I’m asking.”Lisa Brittain I know. I know. He writes the marriage one liners, and I explain them. However, just the other day as we were conversing, I started to laugh. You know those moments when you just get tickled, and you can’t stop laughing? The subject matter of our … Continue reading Page 7
Everyone hides. Everyone has hidden things within their heart and mind. Sometimes our secrets are truly hidden from others. No one would ever guess. And then sometimes people can read us like a book. They might not know our secret, but they know something’s not right. Sometimes though the secret pain, the triggers, are hidden … Continue reading Hidden
Usually it’s something that thrills my heart like a cloud formation or a bird or the sky lit up in a pinkish orange hue. Sometimes though, it’s something I know will rev his engine with excitement like the full moon bright and setting behind the mountain, and I just don’t want him to miss it.
I owe.I owe.So off to work I go… Have you ever heard that little ditty or muttered it as you ran out the door hoping for favor with green traffic lights all the way? In America, we have generations who have been weaned on plastic. I can remember the jolt of reality when my children … Continue reading Owe
“Expect nothing. Appreciate everything!” Randy Brittain 2020. Yeah, I know. But some good things were mined from that dark and chaotic time in history. This quote printed on a coffee mug is one of them. We ventured out to do a little shopping amongst the masked and unmasked. It was a time when some of … Continue reading Page 5
My dear man and I quietly celebrated 35 years of marriage recently. We celebrated with quiet appreciation to God for years that might not have been. We’re grateful for God’s mercy and the grace through which He’s taught us to accept and forgive. In my annual attempt at a reading trek through the entire Bible, … Continue reading Chapter
So I had to wonder, if grace is light then how much grace would equal a ton? Ha ha! How many feathers equate to a ton? How much dandelion dust would need to be collected to equal tons of grace?
"Be careful... and remember...So obey...be sure...be careful...beware...do not forget...be careful..." I think you get the point.
“I left my boxes in Atlanta!”~Randy Brittain In recent months this quote has become one of our most frequently used one-liners. But it could be a bit confusing unless we explain the context. A year ago, our home in Lilburn, Georgia was full of boxes. We had stacks of donated boxes ready to be unfolded … Continue reading Page 4
“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”Revelation 22:20 NIV Soon, and very soon. I’m setting my timer for five minutes and writing words around the idea of {soon}. This has been a day of pondering the scriptures in the very last chapter of the last book … Continue reading Soon.
