This month, in celebration of marking two things off my to do list, we are looking at the Parable of the Prodigal (Lost) Son (Luke 15:11-32).  This summer I wrote a 5 Day Devotional for the Prodigal Daughter, a free gift for you (click here to receive it) and I wrote my first book.  Yippee!!  Keep your eyes open for Prodigal Confessions: 10 Principles the Lead Us Back to the Father (release date coming soon).  I am so excited!!  I hope to add a study guide for the eBook soon, as well.

In celebration of all this wordiness, I want to feature some of my favorite bloggers, giving us their take on Prodigal Living, a life drenched in God’s lavish Grace. My friend, artist and blogger Emily Thomas, answered my questions on the topic this way:

• So often we tend to extremes. I think God calls us to moderation. Do you struggle with “all or nothing” thinking? How has God shown you a better way?

I do struggle with that! I didn’t actually realize it was an issue until I got married. My husband couldn’t be more different than me in his thinking, and so having him around and watching (in amazement) how he navigates life so differently than I would (in most all situations), has been a solid and practical model for a more balanced approach.

• Name two or three emotions you feel as you read over the parable of the Prodigal Son. How does this story engage your heart? 

Thankfulness, that we have a God who not only engages us, but goes the extra mile and actually LIKES us. Conviction, as I know I have played the role of both sons at different points in my life.

• In Matthew 22, Jesus calls us to love God first and then to love others before ourselves. Which is easier for you, loving God, or others?

Um, I think I have a pretty big crush on myself actually, but that wasn’t one of the choices. 😉 If I had to choose, I would say loving God is easier for me. I know He is faithful and perfect and His plans are ultimately for my good and His glory. People around me are messing up all the time and they are selfish. That collides pretty hard with all the messing up and selfishness I’m up to, so it can get irritating for everyone involved. 😉 

• Do you think relationships with our parents and siblings can color our view of God or of being part of His family? If yes, can you share about this idea?

Most definitely. Having an absent father really did leave me completely at a loss regarding the roles of Protector and Provider. As a child I couldn’t verbalize it, but I often wondered how important could I possibly be if my own parent didn’t want to see me?  [Experiences like this help us to appreciate the steadfast love of our Heavenly Father, don’t they dearie!]

I love Jesus, am married to my best friend and I have two kids. After a 6-year struggle with infertility, we have been blessed, through the gift of adoption, to parent the two best kiddos on the planet. No offense to your kids.  I’m sure they are a close second.

Last year, I stopped working as a nurse, and now I stay-at-home with the small Thomases.  Staying home is fun but I like to be busy.  But not too busy.  It’s a delicate balance.  I found I needed an outlet and thus, all the writing. I also love making art and even more, I love helping others get what’s in their heads out onto a canvas and put on the walls of their homes.

Me: I love God, my husband, I spend my days lovingly wrangling all the children, gluing paper to canvases, and writing (at heyemilythomas.com) when I have a hot second. My hope is that when you visit my website, you’ll see all of this in me, and laugh and be encouraged. [Y’all need to subscribe to her updates.  She is really entertaining and encouraging!]