“An instrument fitting,” I asked our fifth-grade daughter. “What is that?” “It’s where I get to try out the instruments to determine which I would like to play in band,” she patiently explained to her uninitiated mom. “Plus, I already know a bit of piano although the teachers say we don’t have to have any…
Category: Challenges
Humbled
I knew Jesus as a little girl. Relatives report that I, at age four, spoke of Him as a friend. Growing up brought trials. But I knew I could always count on God. I saw Him as a loving Father, always caring for me. Then, in my early thirties, came a shocking cancer diagnosis. I…
Pursue Peace
I shook my head in disbelief. That proclamation stunned me. I was on a committee planning a winter holiday party for children. These kids had all just recently moved with their families so a parent could attend graduate school. This party was to be a fun celebration with crafts, food and games designed to elicit…
Perseverance, Not Control
Wearily I dropped into bed. Not only physically exhausted, but emotional exhausted as well. Physical mountains to conquer and multitudes of concerns weighted my heart. Lord, where is that light at the end of the tunnel? Why can’t I find it? I bet you too know that feeling well. Maybe you too have carried a…
Time for Jesus = Abundant Life
Life. Is. Crazy. I don’t need to tell you – I’m sure you could tell me! So much to do, so little time. Ever have your mind refuse to turn off? Mentally scrolling through that to-do list, wondering how it will ever all get done? When will I find joy and peace in the everyday?…
It was Redeemed
“I was blessed by having cancer,” I often tell others. No, I would not have authored it. Oh, I pray I never repeat it. Yes, God did the impossible: He brought good from it. While the “good He brought from it” could be segmented into many categories, today I will share one: God can be…
An Interrupted Agenda
I awoke with a start. Daylight filtered into our bedroom. No! Turning on my side, I gaped at the clock: 7:30. Mentally grumbling, I stumbled into the bathroom. How could I oversleep on a Saturday! My one day a week to work on my writing! The one day I rose early because I get to…
Intermission
Life. Can. Be Tough. You know it. I know it. We’ve all live in those moments. Some of those moments in my life include: a stage III cancer diagnosis, a job loss, and one of my children fighting for her life. My list goes on. I bet you can identify with and add on to…
Careful Correction
How does she do it? I was absolutely astonished. Our astute second-grader had once again completed her homeschool math assignment in record time. She must have Daddy’s math ability, I thought as I happily checked all those correct answers day in and day out. Then one day we began multiplying with double digits. She meandered…
All Grown Up?
The disappointment swam in her eyes behind the small, plastic smile. I’d had to say “no”. I tried to explain, but how many teens maturely comprehend why a mom says ‘no?’ She quickly ascended the stairs to her room. She respectfully didn’t stamp or stomp. She didn’t huff and puff. She didn’t slam the doors…