My granddaughter placed her tiny arms around my neck. Feeling heartbroken and wounded, she leaned into me and declared, “Mim, you make all my boo-boo’s better.” Wiping away tears, along with kissing and bandaging childhood bumps and scrapes had earned me her trust – and this sweet accolade. Pulling her closer, I held her in …
Heartbroken and Wounded: Running to the One Who Heals Hearts and Bandages Wounds Read More »
I don’t like pain and I don’t care to suffer. But that’s sometimes what I’m called to do. Like it or not. Ready or not. Such is life in a fallen world. Friend, if you’ve lived any time at all there’s no doubt you’ve also experienced your share of difficulties. Like it or not. Ready or …
When Suffering Leads to Sharing: Vulnerability and the Power of Story Read More »
I learned a long time ago if God doesn’t want something for me, it’s best not to want it for myself. I learned this by trying to merge His will into my way of doing things. By doing so, I was missing out on His sweet fellowship. I would pray, asking for things to work …
Sweet Fellowship is Found Smack Dab in the Middle of God’s Will Read More »
Flipping through the pages of my journal, I search for the one blank page that will house today’s thoughts and, hopefully, my new name. Pen in hand, I stare at it for a moment and then scribble one word in black ink. Brave. You’ve been calling me brave for a long time, haven’t You, God? …
What New Name is God Scribbling on Your Page? He Calls Me Brave Read More »
There’s something about seeing your child in the middle of the lake all by himself that’s unnerving. Even when you’ve done all you can to prepare him. He’s wearing his life jacket. It’s the correct size. It’s zipped and tightly clasped. It’s being used for its intended purpose. And the boat you’re riding in is …
When Abundant Life is Found in the Middle of the Lake Read More »
Always and Never. Two words spoken with regularity in many of our everyday conversations. More often than not, these words are used to convey an exaggeration of sorts. But there is no exaggeration when it’s Jesus speaking. None at all. If He says He will be with us always, He will. If He says He …
Coming to Understand the Always and Never Nature of God Read More »
My husband called. The news was not good. Ready or not, today would be the day we’d say goodbye to a much loved family member – our 15 year old Jack Russell terrier. Spot had joined our family as a 6-week old pup; a birthday gift for our then five year old son. None of …
Remembering the Gift of Love Through the Pain of Goodbye Read More »
Have you heard anything? It’s a question I’ve been asking a lot lately. It’s also a question that’s been asked of me many times the past few months. I like to think of it as a we’re-better-together kind of question. One of those checking-in-with-you, praying-for-good-news, waiting-alongside-you kind of questions. The type of question friends and …
Better Together: Helping Friends Down the Path of Pain Read More »
I recently stood at a cash register, facing an unhappy cashier. Her words, inconsiderate and harsh. My gut reaction, “Defend yourself! Put her in her place!” Instead I paused, sensing a gentle nudge… extend grace to this broken woman. And then I remembered: I didn’t deserve God’s grace any more than this woman deserved mine. …
3 Helpful Points to Consider When Reflecting on God’s Beautiful Grace Read More »
