AMAZED BY GRACE
We all know how it feels when others let us down. From disappointment to betrayal, we wonder if that wound will ever heal. No one can take from you what only God can give. Your worth, your value, your joy, your happiness, peace, potential, your talent, your skill, not even your name. We brought nothing … Continue reading Struggling With Blame? Read This
When the grandkids come, we play a game we call Would You Rather. Would you rather be a whale or a penguin? Would you rather have a toothache or a sprained ankle? Occasionally for fun, we throw in this one, “If you could have a superpower what would it be?” I always say, I would … Continue reading YOU WANT TO FLY BUT YOU DON’T HAVE WINGS
I once thought hiding wrong, was right. We heard it as kids, “Just walk away. It’s not worth it.” And frankly, most of the time, it’s not. Turn a cheek, forgive, overcome evil with good—and that's all true. But Jesus never said hiding wrong was right. He did say nothing is hidden that will not … Continue reading When Church Hurts
We were the least likely couple. And for good reason. In this picture, we walked out double doors thinking we held the future in our hands. Life was a party, and we were its guests. Six years in, I was the first to want to quit. On us, my kids, my life. Reality was hard. … Continue reading Here’s to Love: What Anniversaries Are Made Of
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
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
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
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
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
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)