Rob and I are walking through a storm right now that came up suddenly and without warning. I wish I could tell you that I have not been afraid of the storm. But I would not be telling the truth. This week I have been desperate to hear my Sweet Jesus' voice. I have realized again how lost I am without Him and how frightening life can be if I cannot see very far ahead of me. This is a week when my … [Read more...] about Three Levels of Faith
Playing the Wrong Game
I watched with painful realization as one of my children played his competitor's game during an athletic competition. As the first two games were lost, I could visibly see the hope fizzle away as a cloud of discouragement settled in on my child. It wasn't capability that cost him the win. He could have pulled out and had victory. But once his feet had touched the mire and muck of discouragement, … [Read more...] about Playing the Wrong Game
No More Days Left
Today is traditionally the day that I put away all things Christmas-y. I never imagined before I had children that we would have a tree that could be disassembled and put in a box, and although I miss the pine smell teasing my olfactory senses from a real tree as I enter the room, the plug-in wafting the balsam fragrance does just fine. Two babies in 13 months and three babies in three and a … [Read more...] about No More Days Left
Taking Off Shame
Have you ever had one of those days where shame seems to be the main accessory to wear in your wardrobe? I love days when I get to wear beautiful clothing like grace, peace, or awe over what God is doing in my or others' lives. Shame is never a piece I put on intentionally, which is why it never fails to shock me when I realize I am covered from head to toe in its smothering layers. I had a … [Read more...] about Taking Off Shame
Running to the Mercy Seat
I am having some deja-vu conversations with my pre-teen daughters about what makes a girl popular in elementary and middle school. They are struggling to find their place in the unseen, but very real, pecking order that exists in the heirarchy of who is cool and who is not. I pray for them to make the right decisions and hold on to what they are wrestling with God as the truth - that real beauty … [Read more...] about Running to the Mercy Seat
Bless Your Name Forevermore
This is absolutely one of my very favorite songs that the Lord uses to lift me out of the pit. I have been singing its lyrics in my mind all morning. The power of our praise, especially praise that comes from a broken or confused heart, is the path that makes the way for the King of kings and Lord of lords to show me that He is the Way Maker, the Redeemer, the Comforter, the Healer, the Provider, … [Read more...] about Bless Your Name Forevermore