“Secure your own mask first.” You’re enjoying a nice, smooth ride when, suddenly, you are jolted awake by violent shaking and terrified cries. (Whether the screams are yours or someone […]
Sunrise, Sunset: Time Marches On
She walked herself down the aisle. Alone. Nobody held it together, except her. Bittersweet tears mixed with drops of rain as I watched our beautiful warrior princess boldly step into […]
Grief: Gotta Go Through It
One of my earliest memories is going on a “bear hunt” with my Kindergarten teacher. We’d all march in place as we chanted: Going on a bear hunt.I’m not scared.Gonna […]
Even If He Doesn’t
In 2021, my theme for our Student Ministry was “That’s Messed Up.” We spent the year learning about the deeply flawed people in the Bible and the God who redeemed […]
Feeling Cheated by Death: Wedding Anniversary Thoughts
Sunday is my wedding anniversary. We should be celebrating 29 years as Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We were supposed to grow old together. We were just getting started. Soon, my […]
Palm Sunday and My Fickle Heart
Today, my daughter and I got to celebrate Palm Sunday with a beautiful congregation in Costa Rica. It was almost transcendent to stand in that space, worshiping one Savior in […]
When Grief is Loud
When you’re faced with an unwanted new life—devastated by loss—and you become overwhelmed by sorrow, Seek the face of the Savior. He knows the agony of separation and the anguish […]
The Valley Between Gardens
Grief and joy, coexisting. So much pain and loss; so much for which to be thankful. Living in that juxtaposition is just part of life between the gardens, isn’t it? […]
Drop Your Nets and Follow Me
Change is hard—especially when it’s not my idea. Especially when it leads to the unknown. Especially when it means letting go. “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” With […]
You Can Do Hard Things
Sometimes, God requires us to do hard things. Really. hard. things. I don’t know about you, but I have to admit that when He called me to some of these […]
But God Saw…
For many years, she was confined to widow garb, waiting for her father-in-law to do the right thing. Yet, in all those years, God did not forget about her. For […]