Growing up in the church and in a Christian home, I knew that studying the Bible was something Christians were supposed to do. My parents and grandparents had modeled faithful Bible reading to me my whole life. But, when I hit my young adult years and tried to put what I’d seen into practice, I…
writing
Writing as Ministry
There’s a lot of chatter these days about writing and blogging and the merits of doing both whether anyone is reading or not. Though we hardly need another voice to add to the mix, the beauty of blogging allows me to offer my thoughts on the subject simply because this tiny corner of the internet…
Is it Sinful to Live in the Past?
I was juggling housework and a very energetic two-year-old yesterday morning when the phone rang. My friend on the other end, also dealing with a little one, had called with a very specific question about suffering and sin. As I’ve mulled it over, I decided to address her question publicly (with her permission). She asked…
The Strongest Thread
It was mid-October a year ago when my mom had brain surgery to remove a tumor from her left frontal lobe. Hovering over the place where her speech and emotions live, the tumor had grown quickly enough to cause a seizure and lost time. I remember how nervous we were when it all happened on…
Story of the Song: “Hear Me” (on marriage and the art of listening)
The Story I was sitting in a coffee shop, my cup empty and hers still full. Cold, though, probably because she hadn’t taken the first sip. Tears stood in her eyes while she explained the way her husband didn’t listen to her. “He doesn’t know what I’m thinking or how I feel about anything. He…
I am not strong: a year of writing publicly
I think I scared him. I called downstairs for a bottle of Aleve and some water. But I don’t think my husband expected to find me lying down in the hallway upstairs. I feel silly when it makes me cry. I’m a grown woman, for crying out loud. I grit my teeth with every intention…
The Mountains Cry Out Because I Do Not.
I was on the longest solo road trip of my 35 years. I’d spent roughly seven hours driving when the first glimpse of the Smoky Mountains appeared. I was almost giddy, to be honest. I kept up a running commentary with each sharp curve and steep grade, equally excited to be driving through the mountains…
{I’m trying to look up}
“For every look at self, take ten looks to Christ.” ~Robert Murray M’Cheyne “So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory.” Psalm 63:2 “When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary.” Psalm 73:16-17a Yesterday I sat at my desk and wrote…
{what I learned in May}
May wrapped up in a hurry over here, and I found myself wrestling two kids and a full grocery cart this morning on a very hot first day of June. The upcoming month is a busy one for my family as it’s birthday month for 3/4 of us, and our calendar is already full of…
I follow close to You
I’ve been feeling a bit empty lately. A steady stream of writing and pouring out has left me scratching my head and staring at intimidatingly blank pages in all my journals and notebooks. Sometimes the words don’t come, no matter how hard I press down the pen. So I go back to what fills me…