Growing closer to the One who sustains it all
I sat in the parking lot of a shopping center and sobbed. Hot, angry tears fell down my cheek as I confessed, “I just don’t want to, God. I don’t want to forgive.” I imagined God angry with my lack of faith and blatant defiance towards his clear command. I wondered if I would hear …
Continue reading "Forgiveness with a gentle and generous God"
House color, take-out budget. Kid’s bedtimes, kid’s discipline. Sports, rest, vacation, and even Christmas presents. You name it, and my husband and I have disagreed about it. Sometimes we argue, sometimes we discuss civilly, and occasionally, one of us freely concedes. But regardless of whether or not I “win” the disagreement, anger can still linger. …
Continue reading "To the Angry Wife – Gospel Encouragement Amid Accumulating Frustrations"
I was on the phone attempting to reschedule a dentist appointment when my kids came barreling around the corner. One was screaming and crying, and the other, cackling laughter. I lost it. I slammed my phone to the ground and screamed, “Dangit you guys! GET. TO. YOUR. ROOMS!” It was the last straw. And truth …
Continue reading "To the Angry Mama – Gospel Hope Amid Our Temper"
Is this all a waste? I wondered. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and all external qualities suggested my day should be marked by smiles and ease. But my mind was spinning. As I drove through town, the fresh breeze pranced through my window, and all I could think about was how much easier life …
Continue reading "In the Doubt and Discouragement – What we learn from Psalm 73"
There are two types of people in this world - those who like the window seat in an airplane and those who do not. My classification is the former. I love the window. From takeoff, adventure begins with the thrill of soaring above the city. I try to pinpoint landmarks, water, anything that may be …
“My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Independent of religious affiliations or belief systems, there seems …
A May afternoon in 2020, my husband and I took a walk when he dropped a bomb, asking if I would move a thousand miles away. I replied with a confident “no”. Yet two months later, our house was sold. Our van was packed. We were moving. I imagined transitioning would be simple. We’d find …
Continue reading "Finding A Local Church After A Move Is Worth the Heartache"
God, I know I am being short with my kids. I know this isn’t how You want me to act. I want to read my Bible this morning, but I can’t focus. Help me.That about sums up my morning prayer the other day. I could feel my frustrations rising, and I knew it was for …
Continue reading "A Psalm for Those Who Got Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed"
God told me to start a Bible study. He didn’t speak with an audible voice, but it must have been him because everything in my rational mind refused: I’ve never led a Bible study. I’m not qualified for this. I don’t even have friends in this city! Convinced he picked the wrong girl, I prayed–rather, …
Continue reading "Finding Christian Community Across Hundreds of Little Moments"
“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call on Him?” 1 Moses, the leader of the recently-enslaved nation of Israel, asked the Israelites this rhetorical question, a question that held an immense truth they needed to know as they …
Soaking in the Son 