I couldn’t get how suffering was actually good for me. Of all the things I do in the name of strong and healthy, suffering never sounded vitally important. Take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, plenty of water, walk, rest, sunlight. But suffering? "Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered." Hebrews 5:8 My … Continue reading Some Good News About Suffering
The Unfathomable Grace of God
We’ve been empty nesters for a while now. Sold our business last June. Sold hunting property right after Christmas. We thought to move. A new home, a fresh start. We’ve wanted to do something just the two of us. Together. He ran the company, he hunted the property. We were hungry to run and hunt … Continue reading The Unfathomable Grace of God
Flowers In The Desert
My kid called from the Mohave Desert. (And I’m not speaking metaphorically.) Tent up, flapping in the desert breeze. Backpack and bottles strewn about like her bedroom used to be. Her skin freckled & parched from trekking 130 miles in the heat. It’s her third leg hiking the 2,650-mile PCT. A photo chirped my phone … Continue reading Flowers In The Desert
Spirit Born & Winning the War
One of the hardest things is not knowing what comes next. Especially when threats reach our doorstep. Generally, lists have a way of herding our steps. Whether on paper or written in our heads, patterns and boundaries seem to drive the hours. Plans, reservations, appointments. What’s on the schedule? What’s not on the schedule? Then … Continue reading Spirit Born & Winning the War
How Fearing God Takes The Fear Out Of Everything Else
Making the appointment felt like a death sentence. Admitting my shaky sensitivities to, of all people, a psychiatrist. An untrustworthy, over-confident, judgmental, intellectual. He was going to tell me how hopeless I was. Look at me like a weak old woman. Send me out limping on both hips. Feeling worse than when I went in. … Continue reading How Fearing God Takes The Fear Out Of Everything Else
Keeping Your Soul From Freezing This Season (& A Gift for You)
I’m a surefire pessimist. Just ask my optimist husband. I wasn’t finding one ray of beauty this Illinois 6-below season—but I needed to. Needed a big shot of reality for my declining attitude. With two solid months of wild winds, slippery ice, gray skies ahead it’s already a struggle not to feel depressed. The loss … Continue reading Keeping Your Soul From Freezing This Season (& A Gift for You)
The Privilege of Scripture: Storytime With Your Savior
Reading Dr Seuss before bed has become our thing. Grandpa is in charge of tickle-tests, 4-wheelers, Oreos and milk. Climbing up, we snuggle under blankets and sheets one, two, three. Eager at what we know is coming: shoulder to shoulder giggling over zany characters, tongue twisters, elephants in trees. Lights burn way past bedtime, laughter … Continue reading The Privilege of Scripture: Storytime With Your Savior
What God Wants From Us
I’ve little interest in Christmas. I’m excited about Christ. If it were up to me, we wouldn’t have a tree. But I love the man who carries this stuff up. Meticulously picking each piece out. Humming and singing as he goes. Gathering and printing addresses. Stamping and mailing cheer wishes. Though not about presents and … Continue reading What God Wants From Us
An Introverts Search For Courage In An Extroverted World
For as long as I can remember fear has been the driving force of my existence. I wasn’t comfortable leaving mom’s side. And even at her side, fear stayed close by. Various quotes crossed my path this past year aimed at abolishing fear. But I’ve never known fear to stop for a smart phrase. The … Continue reading An Introverts Search For Courage In An Extroverted World
Jo Ann Alo 