Some days I feel as if I’m in the front lines of a battle where I’m outnumbered 1,000 to one. I’m fighting for truth, hope, and joy, but the fiery arrows of affliction continue to fly from every angle. I’m fighting the temptation to grumble, get angry, and stomp my feet defiantly at the daily… Continue reading Impossible Circumstances Are Where God’s Glory Shines the Brightest
Category: Treasures Found in the Trials of Life
Abundant Joy is Found in the Presence of Christ, Not in the Absence of Pain
“Oh Lord, for years I have prayed for answers, healing, and understanding in this suffering you have allowed. Yet they have seemed not to come. Many have prayed to you on our behalf, as we have sought wisdom from the doctors you provided, and have longed for redemption of what's been lost. By your grace,… Continue reading Abundant Joy is Found in the Presence of Christ, Not in the Absence of Pain
Suffering is a Gift of God’s Grace – Part 2
Because we live in a world that has promised us instant everything, we struggle when we feel powerless to change or remove unwanted things from our lives. Paul gives us insight into God’s purposes for allowing trials and suffering to continue in our lives, that we might reap the fruit of endurance. Endurance… Continue reading Suffering is a Gift of God’s Grace – Part 2
In a dry and weary land
I was 17. I had my whole life ahead of me and yet, there I found myself, wanting it all to end. I sat silently in a stark white hospital room, broken, hurting, and alone. How did I end up here? Not more than a year earlier, I had been basking in the attention and… Continue reading In a dry and weary land
Lessons Learned From a Diet of Manna – Part 3
Anyone who has read my posts over the last few months is most likely aware of the unusual diet that I embarked on in a desperate attempt to improve my declining health. After being on a diet of only porridge for three months, followed by a month of slowly introducing food, I am reflecting on… Continue reading Lessons Learned From a Diet of Manna – Part 3
Restore to Me The Joy of My Salvation
My husband and I recently sat in on a meeting to discuss the options, challenges, and hurdles of our child’s special needs. As we sat surrounded by several specialists, listening to them list the problems at hand, a lump began to grow in the back of my throat in an attempt to fight back the tears… Continue reading Restore to Me The Joy of My Salvation
Live As You Are Called
I admit, I have felt discouraged lately in my pursuit of health. After being told by my doctor that after two or three months of a porridge only diet, my stomach would hopefully be healed enough to begin eat normally again, I am still unable to tolerate food. While I am confident that this journey… Continue reading Live As You Are Called
Four Lies We Believe When We Are Feeling Lonely
There is no denying that many roads of suffering are incredibly lonely ones. Yes, it is true that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), and often there are more people who can relate to our suffering than we realize. Nevertheless, these roads are often still lonely. I remember when one of my… Continue reading Four Lies We Believe When We Are Feeling Lonely
Finding Peace in a World of Turmoil
Imagine a state of perfect peace. What do you picture? For me, I imagine retreating alone to the ocean, looking out into the vastness, beauty, and power of its waters. The air is comfortable with a warm and gentle breeze with no distractions other than the chatter of seagulls and the rhythmic beat of the crashing… Continue reading Finding Peace in a World of Turmoil
Lessons Learned From a Diet of Manna – Part 2
Well, it's been a little over six weeks since my last real meal. What a journey it's been. I have eaten nothing but porridge in a desperate attempt to find healing, with the exception of a couple small "trials" in the last week or so. While this journey is proving to be far from over, I have been… Continue reading Lessons Learned From a Diet of Manna – Part 2