It is an interesting thing I have learned about myself the last few years: the needier I feel, the stingier I become. I wrote about this in one of my earlier blog entries, and as much as I have repented of this and prayed for a new heart in this area, I still struggle. Clearly,… Continue reading Being honest
Category: Faith
Ears to hear
There was deep concern these past few days for a few members of my denomination who were in the Congo during the recent eruption of violence there. It was with great relief and thanks to God that we heard yesterday that the two who were in the greatest danger had in fact boarded a plane… Continue reading Ears to hear
Quotation of the Week (part II)
“Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears, it is well to pay the closest attention. They are not only telling you something about the secret of who you are, but more often than not God is speaking to you through them of the mystery of where you have come from and is… Continue reading Quotation of the Week (part II)
Quotation of the Week
“This is another reason that living in proximity to those we are seeking to build relationships is so crucial. However, acknowledging this we need to recognize that, unlike most of the world, we have the freedom to choose where we live. Therefore, we need to be mindful of God’s direction in that freedom, submitting it… Continue reading Quotation of the Week
Inspiration
My friend, Tyler Watson, linked to a phenomenal story last week of a ninety-seven year old woman who was being honored by Poland’s Parliament for her role in rescuing thousands of Jewish children during the Holocaust. As I read her story, I was struck by the raw courage demonstrated by this woman in her lifetime,… Continue reading Inspiration
Determination
Have you ever been in a situation where someone was relentless in trying to bless you? A month ago I wrote about my husband surprising me on Valentine’s Day with a dress that I had wanted for at least two years. It is an expensive, exquisite, never-in-a-million-years-in-our-budget dress that went drastically on sale online. I… Continue reading Determination
Quotation of the Week
“It was a difficult book for me to write. My thought was pulled in two different directions by the blood of the innocent crying out to God and by the blood of God’s Lamb offered for the guilty. How does one remain loyal both to the demand of the oppressed for justice and to the… Continue reading Quotation of the Week
What youth need
I have had a lot of conversations recently with people around issues of ministering to youth and how that can be done most effectively. While in my hospital bed, Doug and I listened to a recording of Chap Clark’s inaugural lecture at Fuller Seminary where he brilliantly assesses the state of youth ministry in the… Continue reading What youth need
The hiddenness of pride
It is a truly humbling thing to be at the center of people’s love and care. There is this total submission that happens where one ceases to claim control and sufficiency, and instead stops to simply receive. It is never something any of us are inclined to do by choice, and I think it has… Continue reading The hiddenness of pride
Good news (or The longest blog post I have ever written)
I had much more romantic notions of how I would share this news here, but I am learning that life is not always about our ideas of romance. Doug and I are expecting our third baby in early October. That is the marvelous news in the midst of all that has been dreadful and challenging… Continue reading Good news (or The longest blog post I have ever written)