Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 We’re officially in the season of pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apples, and pecan pie. You can go on a shopping spree and buy the words grateful, thankful, and blessed imprinted on pretty much anything as we head …
The Word Is Trust
I imagine King David sitting at a table, parchment covering his desk, a small oil lamp flickering its dim yellow light over the blank pages, and crying out his prayer; In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let my enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:1-2 How many times have I leaned back …
The Broken Fence
This year we replaced the fence in our backyard. It was installed when the house was built forty years ago. It’s had a long life and did a good job. But over the past few years, some of the panels came loose and gaps emerged. We could see into our neighbor’s yard and onto the nearby street. When I …
Really? Joy … Even in this Situation?
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Over the past few years, I’ve heard this verse so many times. I’ve shared it with people, and people have shared …
Desperately Seeking Rest …
We all have those days when we simply don’t want to parent, work, or do what we need to do. We’d prefer to get up and go for coffee with a friend, take a walk, curl up with a good book, or binge-watch our latest favorite show … in our pajamas. Sometimes when my alarm goes off at 6:00 AM …
Parenting with wisdom …
In my coffee cupboard I have a whole array of mugs. Each has a different word printed on them: Peace, Faith, Hope, Be Kind, Wisdom, and Create. Every morning I choose the word I need most for the day. More often than not, the Wisdom mug is filled with my caffeine fix. My husband and I are raising three world …
The Comparison Solution
Comparison … it’s great until it isn’t. In my early days of parenting, I found comfort with other new parents as I talked about how to get our precious gift to sleep through the night. We talked post-partum poop, sore nipples, and physical healing. We commiserated together over the terrible twos and threenagers, and celebrated when strollers no longer accompanied …
Who will walk through the Red Sea with you?
I sat next to a lovely woman who was blooming in her second trimester of pregnancy. We saw each other often at church but didn’t often get a chance to talk. As I took a sip of my drink she commented, “you’ve done such a great job parenting your girls. How did you do it?” I laughed, a little embarrassed, …
It’s not goodbye when Jesus is by their side
Two months ago my eldest daughter graduated from high school. As she stood smiling for the camera with her certificate in hand, I sat up a little straighter, face beaming, and my heart swelling with love. This was her moment to celebrate everything she has persevered for, overcome, and achieved. I thought we’d be celebrating all summer … I thought …
The Friend They Need
There is no set formula for supporting our friends and family through hard times. It’s something that, if done well, can bring you closer together. But, if handled poorly, it can lead to disagreement and tension, and the testing of your friendship. Yet, it is something most of us will have to embrace as we walk the journey of life. …