This story still moves me. I discovered the thoughts in an old journal, but I pray God uses it to breathe fresh hope. I’m getting just barely enough to survive. Drops of grace. Just when I think I can’t hardly take it, along comes one encouragement. But it’s just ONE. But at least it’s one. I’m trying to be ok…
I want to be happy on Mother’s Day, but I also want to be sensitive. So many raw territories to navigate: the first Mother’s Day without your mom, or feeling around the edges of the fissure that was left years ago by her death, Alzheimer’s, rejection, abuse, neglect, or serious strain. Mother’s Day when you have a wayward child, a…
Dear Friend, Wherever you are today, whatever you’re doing, may the nearness of God’s presence and His immense love for you soak deep. If you’re on the brink of giving up on something (or someone), may He bring comfort and clarity and infuse you with the strength to persist past your own limitations. Join me today on the Breathe Conference…
Shannon Popkin, speaker and author of the newly released Control Girl, said something to me today I hope I never forget: “Isn’t it good to know we are invited to be part of miracles, not expected to conduct them?” I first met Shannon when she spoke at my church about a year and a half ago. Her message resonated so…
My mom recently reminded me of our spontaneous, haphazard planting spree fifteen years ago. To this day, it’s a source of delight on so many levels. I’d spent the damp spring week at my parent’s home, a showcase of Pacific Northwest beauty. Always one to improve status quo, Mom held up tiny bags of flower bulbs and grinned. “What do…
We’d not intended for this brand of excitement at the end of our spring break vacation. We’d driven to Indianapolis and meandered four stories of awesomeness in the children’s museum. It was a highlight for our 6 and 8-year old. All four of us – Paul, the kids and I – seemed to…
It transformed how I viewed turning forty, but it started as an ordinary field trip to the local nature center with my son’s preschool class a few years ago. A room full of curious four-year-olds, a handful of parents, and a few teachers listened to the volunteer from the nature center explain the process of making maple syrup. Two interesting…
Calling All Quitters! Today’s Your Day! This was the subject heading of an email I received. I did a double take before realizing I misread it. (Must’ve needed another cup of coffee that morning.) It actually said “calling all QUILTERS” and was advertising a sale at a well-known fabric store. That one letter L makes a big difference! I think…
Fear ensures I am a constant work in progress. I’d rather be a looker upper than a fixer upper, but I’m afraid I’m both. (Like how I used “afraid” there? You can groan now.) I haven’t trusted God perfectly, but thankfully, that qualifies me to be a recipient of perfect grace. I’m so grateful Jesus came to call the sick,…
There are plenty of things I’m not. It does me a world of good to remember what I am. Who I am. Whose I am. It’s been a week of remembering, forgetting, and remembering again. I wish I knew who to thank for the compiled scriptures. I’ve had this awhile and recently stumbled across it. I streamlined the list to fit…
