What do you do when things don't turn out the way you wished they would? When people you love are suffering. When you're holding your breath for a miracle, but the miracle doesn't come. What do you do with that? The Bible says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Rom. 12:12). … Continue reading When Things Don’t Go As Planned
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of homeschool moms. As I was praying about what to share, I realized that the most important thing I can share with anyone is what Jesus has done in my life. Our stories of redemption and grace hold incredible value. So I shared. I … Continue reading An Omer of Manna: Finding Joy When Life is Hard
Six years ago. The street was slippery with rain. As my car slowly climbed the hill, the mist grew thicker and thicker until I could hardly see the lines on the road. And then, out of the fog, yellow-gold leaves began to fall onto my windshield. Leaf after leaf fluttered down, startlingly beautiful on an … Continue reading Leaves in the Mist: Ordinary Extraordinary Expressions of a Savior’s Love
She’s crying in the darkness. Big, raspy, gasping, croupy cries. My husband and I run to the bathroom and turn on the light and the shower. As I hold her, she clings tight and the tears slow a little. The steam helps, but still her chest heaves loud in the night as she gulps in air. It’s … Continue reading Be Held
What can you do when you lose your joy? Check out these thoughts on Psalm 13.
My daughter spotted it first, clinging to a wall beside an old railway track. “Look, Mom,” she called excitedly. “Look what I found!” It was just a common grasshopper. Nothing special. But as I bent close, I could see its leg quiver, hear a chirping sound. It’s called stridulation—when the inside of a male’s rear … Continue reading The Most Humble of Things
This is for the one who feels like it’s too late. You've missed too many opportunities. You've made too many mistakes. When you were young, you were full of passion. You were full of idealism. You dreamed many dreams and they were big dreams. But it takes time for dreams and reality to converge. And … Continue reading When You Feel Like It’s Too Late
My husband and I stood on our cobblestone driveway watching flames curl around a measuring tape by our feet. “I have been crucified with Christ,” I said softly. “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and … Continue reading Breaking Limitations – Not I, but Christ
When I look at the Christmas tree, that’s when it hits me. My daughter and I carefully decorated it. The lights twinkle cheerfully. The presents are wrapped and labelled and piled high until Christmas morning. Everything is ready, waiting. When I look at the Christmas tree, that’s when the tears really begin to flow. There … Continue reading Making sense of it all…
The Grace-Filled Life 