CONNECTING HEARTS THROUGH WORDS
We've been desensitized to reports of innocent people being shot. We hear a new story every night. It has become our status quo. But most anyone with a beating heart can express that it feels so far gone, we wonder if our course can be changed. There have been nearly fifty mass shootings within our... Continue Reading →
In this Lenten season, we can be reminded—if we take the time and look—that God‘s goodness is everywhere. We can focus on the direness, or we can remember that Jesus came to defeat it all. He’s with us when we arise in the morning, as we navigate our days, and when we close our eyes... Continue Reading →
Words matter. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” It’s worth reminding ourselves over and again: What we say can bring life or can bring death. If we desire for our world to be better, it’s up to each and every one of... Continue Reading →
“I can’t smell my coffee” was followed later in the day by “This ketchup tastes awful!” No, please let it not be so! We’d been lucky enough to avoid COVID this whole year—Why now? Why just days before Christmas with plans for a beautiful gathering with our family and surprise visitors, our daughter-in-law’s parents from... Continue Reading →
“I love you, Mom.” “Hmmm?” (A little louder) “I love you, Mom.” “I love you too ... so very much.” I’d been deep in thought, listening to the song we were slowly dancing to. (The photo above is Brett and Abby, September 14, 2019. Our mother/son dance was prior.) I knew this moment of ours... Continue Reading →
Numbers 6 : 24 - 26 ESV The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Dear moms and dads, This blessing was first spoken from God to Moses. The... Continue Reading →
The stout and stern, dark-haired judge scared the living heck out of us. She fired one question after another, and the sweat beaded on Craig's head. The kind translator had warned us ahead of time not to look at herself but only at the judge when it was time for the translator to repeat the... Continue Reading →
When I heard his feet hit the floor and his bedroom door open, I knew I didn’t have time to move or hide. I was caught. "Hey!" he said. "What are you doing?" "I'm just looking for something I dropped earlier," I whispered (and lied). He was practically sleep-walking so didn't question, but stepped over... Continue Reading →
Trying to wing the toast at my son’s wedding last May was a horrible idea. Once I had the microphone and looked out at that lakefront ballroom full of cherished family and friends, I felt an uncomfortable lump forming in my throat. When I turned to address the bride and groom, the swelling moved up... Continue Reading →
I rolled over restlessly at the first morning light and spotted the thick, folded pile of papers that had been pushed under my door. My heart dropped to my feet and I jumped up to grab them. For an eighth of a second I thought, Did he run away? Did he hurt himself? but I... Continue Reading →
She looked breathtaking in her wedding dress. When her nine bridesmaids danced through the bedroom door to get a first glimpse, many of their eyes filled with tears. They were happy for her and overcome with joy to see their dear friend wearing the gown she'd soon be married in. Hosting the entire wedding party... Continue Reading →
Today is my middle child's twenty-first birthday. Only yesterday, I was dragging myself around the supermarket in tears because it was his first week of kindergarten, and I felt like both my arms had been amputated. Two kids were now in school, and I walked in circles for weeks until I figured out my new normal. Today,... Continue Reading →