During this time of pandemic, we are living in our own little worlds within our own four walls. How deeply we miss the familiar bridges to community that join us together. As we live physically distanced from each other, we can live unseen. It is both challenging and strange. There is some comfort in knowing…
4 Things Helping Me to Wait Well
“One, two, three! Blow!” Her little lips pursed as she blew with all her might. The small hand grasped the slender green stem. The sweet air from her breath brushed my cheek. We watched in delight as the dandelion fluff caught the wind and slowly sailed away. Some pieces flew up into the blue sky, seeming to wave…
10 Ways to Make Each Day Count (Coronavirus Lockdown Edition)
Many people have responded to this crisis in destructive ways—theft, aggression, addiction, abuse, greed, despair, and suicide. But positivity is also on the rise. Here are ten great ways people are filling their extra, or at least redefined, time at home: Projects People are digging in— getting rid of stuff, finishing projects they haven’t had…
Of Time, Fear, and Jesus
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16 NIV Wrestling with time and grappling fearEnduring the world’s grievous paradigmYet peace be a conqueror when Jesus is near Days spin like whirlpools drowning drearIndispensable tasks an…
Wrestling with Identity
Stepping stiffly into the bathroom, turning on the light. Confronted by the wall-to-wall mirror. Having to look at my reflection whether I want to or not—disheveled hair, droopy eyes, rumpled pajamas and all. And yet it’s not so bad. Here, at least, my hair is mostly brown, with a light dusting of gray. Some people…
Five Once-a-Day Practices To Care For Your Soul During COVID
When normal changes suddenly, we flounder. Like a girl learning to swim who is suddenly required to jump in the deep end, our heart rates race, and all we learned before evaporates in the panic. We flail, our arms and legs somehow moving enough to get us to the side of the pool, though we…
Jim Elliot and the Deadly Pestilence
I’ve been thinking a lot about Psalm 91 lately. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor…
Safe at Home
Right now my family and I might have been reclining on a beach in Mexico with extended family, reconnecting in the sun and surf after too many months apart. Instead, a chill Oregon drizzle drips from my windows and I haven’t left my house in days. I have to check the calendar to figure out…
You Are Essential
If someone in your household is a first responder, health care worker, in the food industry, a trucker, or mechanic (and many others I haven’t listed) they are essential for keeping our society functioning. Most of our “essentials” are working long hours, minimally staffed, and dangerously exhausted. We are praying non-stop for God to grant…
A Different Call
“What do I know to be true about God?” This was the question that continually ran through my mind as I walked through my garden. The spring sunshine was beating down on the damp earth and there were glimpses of green shoots reaching for the blue canopy above. Daffodils were blooming and birds were flitting…
Anchored Voices 