faith, family, wellness
"You've got this." Sometimes we just need someone to say these words to us. Those are the words I whispered to myself the other day as I was scrolling through a bazillion images on Pinterest, Etsy and the like. Somehow I have found myself helping to plan a new young mom's ministry, and helping of … Continue reading When God Could Use Someone Great, But Uses You
This morning the intense Texas summer sun came through my bedroom window, and there was this resolve in me that ... it would be a good day. So with everyone in the family still asleep, I awoke first as I usually do, and whispered to our dog Summer, "C'mon girl, let's go outside so you can do … Continue reading Because Today, I Can
They say courage doesn't always roar. If we listen carefully though, everyone is battling something. And I know now, to never take for granted the struggles some people face, even when I can't see them. For many years, I lived with what people would call an "invisible illness." In the fall of 2012, I relapsed with … Continue reading The Courage No One Sees
It feels strange to say this. But I think the church can be one of the loneliest places of all. Now I believe, to be human, is to feel to some extent, alone at times. We all experience change, loss, feelings of misplacement. Somewhere along the way, we will be intentionally or unintentionally left out, misunderstood, looked over. This … Continue reading Loneliness in the Church
At times you have to take a certain road for a destination you can't fully see. This past summer, we packed our car and drove across the country to the flat, green prairie lands of Texas - a place we never imagined we'd call home. It has been an adventure, and we have met so many new people. Our world has … Continue reading Second Guessing Your Journey
Ian MacLaren, a noted Scotsman, once said these wise words of counsel, “Be kind. Everyone you meet is carrying a heavy burden.” By no means do I feel I have suffered more than others, or that I have unique insight into pain. I trust we have all walked through difficulties- an illness, injury, loss, injustice, … Continue reading Suffering Well
I love Christmas. I love lights. I love Christmas lights. But lately, with all the terror in the news, I have been overwhelmed by this reality ... that we are living in one dark world. How easy it is for me to string some lights along my fireplace, singing along to my favorite Christmas carol … Continue reading Against the Darkest of Skies
We adopted Summer a month ago. She was the last of a litter of seven Chihuahua Terrier pups, and unfortunately, no one wanted her. When we brought her home, we understood why. At first, it was endearing to have this melancholy nine-month-old puppy in our home. "Oh she looks so sad," we'd say. "Look, she won't … Continue reading Because She Stayed
Changes are on the horizon for our family. We will be moving to Texas! This was not an easy decision. In fact, it was one of those decisions you make and you immediately feel like crying afterwards. Life is going pretty well here in California. Our kids are settled, we're settled, and we have close friends and … Continue reading When God Whispers Go
My girl is brave. She runs. She climbs. She torpedoes through the kiddie pool. She rescues her dollies from dire illnesses. She picks up pincher bugs with her bare little hands. She lives life full. But every now and then, she isn't so sure. Yesterday at the park, while perched on the big kid swing, she said quietly, "Mommy, I just feel a little bit … Continue reading The Only Way to Fly Free
invited by grace 