The first years of my marriage were anything but easy. Yes, many times provided cherished memories that still make me smile, but we also struggled through tough terrain. We confronted fears that threatened to cause a civil war, healed from past wounds that followed us into our union, and drudged through days I simply questioned…
Christmas Peace and Desert Places
This article was written in December of 2022. One year ago, my family began a journey that drew me to empathize with the restless wanderings of the Israelites in the desert. It was our first holiday season invaded by a predator we’ve now been told will stalk us till a dying day. As turkeys roasted…
Aiming at a True Heritage
“The last thing I want for you is an inherited faith! I want you to know Jesus.” The words left my mouth effortlessly because they sprung from the core of my mothering philosophy. The conversation’s tone held hints of boldness and passion, but these words wrapped around the angst of my child and led her…
Extraordinary Life isn’t Found in Carpe Diem
My high school English teacher showed Dead Poets Society at the end of every fall semester. As trees grew bare, Robin Williams inspired our impressionable young minds as John Keating by getting on top of his desk, reciting poetry, and encouraging his students to write their verse. My worldview shifted, though not for the better, when Keating…
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
It was Christmas eve, impregnated with an importance that thankfully, didn’t visit annually. We all knew next Christmas one of us would not be there, so we held tight to the time gifted to us as we celebrated the birth of my Grandma’s Savior, who she would be meeting…soon. We gathered around the hospice bed…
How Long?
“My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?” Psalm 6:3 “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1 These verses vividly express the pain that sometimes grips my heart. I might hesitate before praying this way if these words weren’t…
When Big Things Call for a Big-Brave
In my family, when New Year’s Eve rolls around, in place of resolutions, some of us select a personal “Word of the Year” (WOTY). In the upcoming year, that WOTY is a word to focus on, claim or be a reminder and encouragement as we move forward. After much thought and prayer, my WOTY for…
Remembering Thorns
Ouch! I glared at my pointer finger for getting in the way of the thorn attached to the rose bush. In North Carolina, even though I’m not a fan of summer’s hot humidity and daily mosquito bites, I still enjoy going into the yard to cut flowers to make a bouquet for the kitchen table. …
Growing Pains
I was in my late teens, working at a summer camp. Enjoying a rare and brief moment away from the kids at the end of a long day. Walking through the trees with another counselor, one of the few fellow Christians at the camp. I don’t remember exactly what led up to it, but after…
Imagined by God, Created with Joy, Gifted with Value
“Worthy are you, our LORD and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” Revelations 4:11 ESV “Mom!” My oldest child appeared in the room. “You’re gonna be mad.” I had an idea of what I was about to encounter. I…
Anchored Voices 