Growing closer to the One who sustains it all
I prayed, Lord. I prayed for your blessing over this, I prayed for your protection, I prayed for your help. But you didn’t provide. It seems like you folded your arms and walked away. Why? This seems so unreasonable, so unnecessary. This wasn’t too hard for you. Words aren’t coming easy. I suppose I want …
Continue reading "A prayer – or set of fractured prayers – after a prayer isn’t answered"
We sat on my porch, myself and a dear friend, with a tray of snacks between us as we caught up on life. She filled me in on her family, choking back tears as she explained the setbacks, struggles, and heartache of a family member’s medical diagnosis. Their world had been turned upside down overnight. …
Continue reading "What’s the point of prayer if God already knows everything?"
It goes something like this: we pray and pray and pray, asking God to change someone, to show them our perspective, to relieve us of our circumstances. But God doesn’t seem to budge. We continue to pray, wait, and pray some more when we realize it. God is looking to change us. Ann Wilson nailed …
Continue reading "When God wants to change you instead of your circumstances"
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 …
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 …
Continue reading "To the exhausted mama – Encouragement in the monotony of repetition"
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 …
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"
Soaking in the Son 