Hope On The Road Less Traveled
The Beauty of a Child-Like Faith The world around me was dream-like, but the pain radiating from my body was what nightmares are made of. It was strange, really. As I was wheeled out of surgery a few weeks ago, I was barely conscious of reality, yet fully conscious of the agony within. I’ve endured… Continue reading A Cry of Desperation
I glanced in the mirror this morning and something immediately caught my attention. Two prominent wrinkles were etched deeply between my eyes. I guess I’ve noticed them a little before, but today, they were more noticeable than ever. I made the face that had clearly caused them to form in the first place and it… Continue reading The Wrinkles of Pain
Mom! Dad! Something keeps biting me!” one of our children yelled. We ran into the family room to investigate what was happening. As soon as I realized the cause, I froze. Fleas! Nope, no way, this was too much. Everything in me wanted to run for the hills, escape the horror we were living in, and… Continue reading There is no Pit so Deep That He is Not Deeper Still
It’s been so many years of waiting. I've prayed, longed, and sacrificed for the desired healing of my earthly body for over two decades. And yet, I've often felt like the women in Mark 5 who bled for 12 years, suffering "a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she… Continue reading God’s Heart for our Healing
Typically I focus my writing on the hope we have through Christ, even in life's greatest challenges. Because no matter what we're facing in life, we always have hope in and beyond our pain, suffering, and sorrows. But sometimes, I've also found that we do ourselves a disservice when we don't acknowledge the magnitude of… Continue reading Life Lived in a Broken Frame
Illness - both chronic and acute - have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It's impacted the choices I’ve made and paths I’ve taken (or been forced not to take). It has robbed me of countless things I enjoy in life, such as activities, time with others, being… Continue reading If “By His Stripes We are Healed,” Why Has My Healing Not Come?
The stars shine brightest against the blackened sky. Oak trees gain their stability and strength by enduring fierce storms. Pearls are found hidden within the depths of the sea. Diamonds are formed under intense pressure and heat under the earth’s crust. In God’s world, beauty is often found in the most unexpected places. And our… Continue reading Beauty is Found in the Most Unexpected Places
“We have a follow up appt to talk to the doctor about next steps for you,” I said to my daughter. Suddenly, she erupted into tears. “I thought if I took these meds like the doc said, then I’d be better and finally get to feel normal like all my other friends,” she cried! My… Continue reading Sitting in Her Pain – Resting in His Grace
Trials and suffering in our lives can be anything from stretching to down right devastating. However, I think most people would probably agree that as painful as it is to endure suffering in our own lives, it can be even more painful to watch our children suffer. But in this world, suffer they will. Whether… Continue reading When Our Children Hurt – Hope for the Parent Grieving Their Child’s Pain
I gave birth to my son with two anchors drawn on my feet. As my pregnant belly grew, so did my fear. This was my fourth baby, so I’d already read all the books and websites. I knew the practical realities of preparing to deliver a baby. I packed a bag. I made a birth… Continue reading Two Anchors for the Storms of Life
Set Apart 