The Christian life is often one lived in the tension between promises given and promises fulfilled. We find ourselves, perhaps more than we care to admit, in circumstances which frighten and threaten to shake our faith. I’m delighted and honored to be sharing over at (in)courage today, talking about that tension. About how sometimes we have to step into the fire …
Why We Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
I don’t think I ever really understood St. Patrick’s Day until I lived in Ireland. There was just something about being surrounded by those lilting voices, celebrating Ireland and a man who brought them hope so many years ago. (Okay, so not all of them think about the hope thing, but I can’t help but) Since our time in Ireland, …
On Roots, Rootlessness, and Faith
Our family is embarking on a new adventure. After over a journey of over ten years of overseas life, we are daring to believe we can start over. This time, we’re starting over right here in the United States! What are we doing? We don’t know. We just know, we sensed the Lord closing the doors to our overseas life. …
Calling All Writers!
I only recently started owning the title of writer in my own heart and mind. And the more I talk with other writers, the more I realize the struggle to own that title is not one unique to me. Earlier in the year, as a way to hone my skills and learn more about the art and business of writing, …
Learning to Curb my Temper in Motherhood
You guys, I struggle with being a grumpy mom. That’s a nice way of saying that I tend to snap quickly and ask questions later when I’m dealing with my children; particularly when I’m tired and/or stressed. So, basically the past 2 years of our lives. However, I’m taking steps, along with the Spirit’s help, to improve my situation – …
What Anxiety and a Buffalo Taught me About Grace
It has taken a long time for me to feel comfortable talking about my struggles with anxiety publicly. Who am I kidding, I’m still not comfortable with it, but I believe that what God has taught me and used to encourage me in my journey may just be exactly what you need to hear in this moment. So I am being …
The New Year’s Eve That Changed My Life
We settled in on the couch next to one another as the TV popped and the VCR whirred into action. My boyfriend had planned a mystery movie he wanted us to watch. Not mystery in the genre, but mystery in that he wanted it to be a surprise. We were celebrating our 2nd dating anniversary and the day had already …
Would I Have Really Known? {Thoughts on ‘Mary, Did You Know?’}
I close my eyes and in an instant I’m back in time. Back to that glider-rocker in the perfect shade of cream to tie the nursery together. Back to when I would sit and rock, absently rubbing my burgeoning belly and treasuring all the precious thoughts I had towards that sweet baby growing and wriggling within. It was such a …
Christmas in America (or How Silent Night Makes me Cry)
You know, it’s funny, this expat life. So much time spent longing for things and people in far off places. And never is that longing so palpable than Christmastime. When overseas, the heart yearns for family, familiarity and the Tim-the-Toolman-Taylor-esque light displays. You go to great lengths (and financial cost) to procure the specialty import items – like canned pumpkin and chocolate …
This Gal’s Journey – How I Got Here And Where I’m Going
Adrenaline coursed through my veins and my heart pounded in excitement as I read the professor’s notes on my assignment, “Wow! Great use of detail and description. You should consider pursuing writing as your degree!” The thought took my breath away and excited me. It also made me sad. I knew the chances of making a comfortable living as a …