Representatives of Glory: The Trouble with Persecution
Representatives of Glory: The Trouble with Persecution When Brian and I first began dating, he was constantly comparing me to his mom. Especially when I was cooking or baking, the man just couldn’t help himself; far too often, he rattled off the same accusation: “That’s not how my mom does it!” Being a fairly confident cook, I actually found his narrow-minded judgments amusing. At first. I eventually grew tired of his comparisons. Nothing against his mom, but I cared nothing about being held to the...
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More Brian’s once again traveled to Europe on business. Sadly, all these visits abroad haven’t allowed much in the way of sightseeing, or, for that matter, rest! Here on this side of the pond, I’ve been struck by the number of people I love who are struggling. The demands of work, illness, concern for family or loved ones, loss, relational challenges . . . the list goes on and on. It truly pains me to see faces marked by the signs of these struggles. Sometimes, in life as in business trips, there’s...
read moreNever Alone
God is faithful–always and forever. Over our past, our present, and our future; I’m so thankful for that. There’s a battle raging— Coming right at me And I didn’t see it coming, Didn’t see it coming I’m in a panicked state And the fear leaves me weak, My mind races for answers; My heart can’t seem to speak There’s a truth crying out— Its voice I can’t recall Yet it knows my name, It knows my name This is constant warfare And the villain is so very close; I can’t see him Nor can...
read moreSpring Chores, Soul Searching, and Body Work
Spring Chores, Soul Searching, and Body Work Spring is in the air, which means yard work, including finally freeing our backyard of the eye-sore that our decrepit swimming pool had become. We’re also sprucing things up for an upcoming gathering to celebrate my baby’s graduation from college in just a couple of weeks!! Along with that, it seems God’s continuing to work in some of the deeper places of my existence, which to be honest, has been a bit unpleasant. Yet I sense that as always, He has my best interest...
read moreTime to Get Serious about A New (Old) Habit
Time to Get Serious about A New (Old) Habit I’ve actually got a couple different posts I’m working on, but I wanted to quickly share this for all who might be interested. Church is quickly becoming a new (old) habit for me. But you know what? I’m still very much stirred up in my spirit about the health of the Body of Christ. (I’ve written at length about my concerns in my book.) Yesterday, as I listened to the pastor preach, I came upon some specific things I feel compelled to pray for. The sermon was taken...
read moreConfronting the Judas in Us All
Confronting the Judas in Us All To be honest, I don’t much care for the guy. He was disloyal–a traitor of the worst kind: one who would sell out a Friend. Except that Friend was more than a friend. He was Deliverer, Redeemer, Liberator, Messiah , Salvation . . . He was Life itself. And in one swiftly negotiated deal, that double-crosser handed over Jesus. For the sum of thirty pieces of silver. I can be content to settle in with my feelings about Judas too–even as I acknowledge that this was God’s plan . . ....
read moreAnd God Met Me There
And God Met Me There “Where are you all attending church now?” a friend asked when we ran into one another at a local convenience mart. “We’re not going anywhere,” I replied, dreading the scorn I feared would follow (it did!). That was several years ago. It was true that after decades of dedicated church attendance–and service even, our family had dropped out of church. It was a decision I never dreamed I’d make. I’ve loved the congregations I’ve had the honor of being part of....
read moreOn the Importance of Things like Cabbage Soup
On the Importance of Things like Cabbage Soup Things have been a bit difficult in my corner of the world of late. And it appears that even though I’m hoping and believing good will come, these things–and this season–aren’t finished with me yet. Kind of like the fact that spring is in the air. Daffodil blooms have actually begun to wither from their early emergence. Yet for two solid days–with the sun shining brilliantly–every time I venture outside, I have to grab an extra layer of warmer clothes...
read moreI Belong
I Belong I really like this photograph. I took it last fall while hiking with Brian and the dogs. I love the blue sky, and the way it’s dotted just so with those wispy clouds. I love the greenery–saplings, scrubby bushes, and various tall grasses and weeds–flanked by a growing shadow’s whisper that darkness is coming, even as the sun’s brilliance soaks the heavens above. And I’m absolutely wounded by the presence of those dead trees rising from the shadows below, so elegant, yet so...
read moreWhat We Seek, We Will Find
What We Seek, We Will Find I had taken some time off from writing. Honestly? I’m tired–worn down by the solitude that accompanies some of the challenges in my life; overwhelmed by much of my present reality. Yet even in my exhausted state I was restless. I began spending time in the music room, turning some of the groanings of my heart into lyrics and melodies. And just when I hatched a grand plan to record some of these heartfelt songs . . . illness struck. So my latest musical endeavors have also been placed on hold...
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Who am I? Visit the About Me link for more information. Of course this site is about way more than me (thankfully). What strikes me about my life is that I struggle . . . keep reading this story.
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