Tucked deep within a small midwestern town, there once laid the beginnings of a dreamy resort escape. Driving down a secluded road, you were transported from common life into a grand luxury. The monumental size of the campus captures your attention, a shocking existence hidden within a serene forest. Building after building after building stands …
To the exhausted mama – Encouragement in the monotony of repetition
I clean dishes every day. Laundry was scheduled for twice per week, but somehow it needs attention twice per day. My children, professional snackers, never cease to request another dietary provision. And the floor. Good gracious. The demons of crumbs, mulch, leaves, beads and crayons are perpetually alive, dropping traces of themselves across every square …
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Celebrating all victories
Standing at a table in the lobby, I looked around at the swarm of women. A mix of ages, races, personalities and perspectives filled my view. It was one of the largest women’s conferences I had ever attended, and I savored the overwhelming beauty of recognizing every one of these faces had a story, a …
Forgiveness with a gentle and generous God
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 …
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To the Angry Wife – Gospel Encouragement Amid Accumulating Frustrations
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. …
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To the Angry Mama – Gospel Hope Amid Our Temper
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 …
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In the Doubt and Discouragement – What we learn from Psalm 73
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 …
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The God Who Has Never Left His Throne
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 …
Everything Wrong to be Made Right
“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 …
Finding A Local Church After A Move Is Worth the Heartache
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 …
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Soaking in the Son 