life beyond the well…

Author Archives: erin.almond


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OUCH! The Feeling of Conviction…

So, I have always maintained that being convicted is a good thing. To me, it lets me know where I can improve as a Christian, and it’s a reminder of being in the will of God. Though life has been overwhelming me, I have realized that one of the challenges that I am facing is to STILL praise God and be in communion with God as I was BEFORE I received these recent blessings. Note Deuteromony 6:10-12:

“When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

But, today’s devotional was also an EXCELLENT reminder for me of the importance of being a bold, and living witness of the power of Christ in my life. The devotional was based of 2 Corinthians 2:15 which says,

“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

Then, there was the following statement:

When I enter a room, do my words and deeds give testimony of a life changed by Christ or evidence of an inconsistent walk with God? Am I a pleasing fragrance to God? The spiritual influence we have on others is the fragrance that God senses. What impression of Christ do I leave with those I meet each day?

So yeah, I was convicted…cause I KNOW how I can be from day to day; even on my “good” days. But the real truth is that even on our “bad” days, every day is a good day to exhibit the love of Christ and his power in our lives.

Be encouraged all…


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Life is a Beautiful Struggle?

I wish I could say that’s how I feel. Right now, I honestly don’t feel that there’s anything beautiful about this struggle. While I do still feel that I’m incredibly blessed (because I truly am), I am also feeling overwhelmed by life.

My spirit is tired. And in all honesty, I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I need to clean house; get some things out of my closet. I want nothing and everything all at once. I don’t want to change people or circumstances. I want to change me.

There’s only been a few times in my life where I’ve felt like this. I’m expecting for there to be major life changes…because that’s always been the result before. But unlike the times before, I feel that there’s suddenly more required of me; there’s more expected from me. I’m not sure if I’m qualified or if I’m even worthy.

To say that I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders would be a slight understatement. The desires of ministry feel so heavy and burdensome. And it seems that there’s not a single person who understands.

I want to steal away, live irresponsibly, not worry about yesterday, today, tomorrow, or years from now. I want to be able to honestly feel like my real friends are indeed my real friends- who are free from passing judgement on the decisions I make and who love me enough to tell me the truth; who are helping to encourage me as I go along this journey; who aren’t too busy to help, to call, or to visit.

This isn’t a crisis…its a reality of how I feel. It may not make sense, but it doesn’t have to. Feelings are rarely rational, and I’m not sure if these are. But it’s how I feel.

Right now, I’m trying to keep my hope in Matthew 11:28-29. Be encouraged…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Matthew 11:28-29