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in christian writing
When You Don’t Know What’s Next
Eighteen years ago, when I was expecting our first child, What to Expect When You’re Expecting was considered the go-to pregnancy “bible.”I know there’s an app for that now. But, back then, the book provided all sorts of baby advice and trivia. We would know, for instance, that at week 16, the baby would be ...
The Thrill of Hope, The Weary World Rejoices
Back in 2007, eighteen long years ago, I hung up an ornament on our Christmas tree. Why would I remember that moment?
The hubbers and I had been married about two years, and I was six months pregnant with our firstborn. We were excited and anxious soon-to-be parents. I remember hanging up that particular dull-gold ornament ...
Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances? How??
On the eve of Thanksgiving, we walk through tired hospital corridors. We are there to visit a friend, but we can’t meet him because he’s still in the ICU. His sister watches the clock in the waiting room. She is emotionally exhausted—but she is also remarkably resilient. As we talk to her, there’s something else—through ...
How Can We Reclaim Joy?
When my daughter was little, she would present me with dainty bouquets—composed entirely of weeds. We lived in Portland, Oregon, at the time, and on our few and scattered sunny days, my mini-me would joyfully run through the grass, filling her hands with wispy dandelions and wild daisies. When she gave me her handcrafted bouquets, ...
Unlikely Women, Unusual Courage, Untold Rewards
Have you ever felt intimidated? Like someone in a higher position was giving you orders that didn’t feel right? At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced dictatorial behavior, whether from a teacher, parent, colleague, or boss. They’ve tried to use their power or position to rattle us into subservience. Thankfully, over time, most ...
The Real Answer to Procrastination
About half an hour into scrolling through amusing but irrelevant reels, my eyes glaze over, and my brain feels numb. When I look up from my phone, a familiar feeling creeps up on me: frustration. Once again, I’ve wasted more than 30 minutes watching clips of AI-generated babies making ridiculously incisive and somewhat inappropriate comments. ...
What I Learned about God — at a Mosque
As I tilt my head at a certain angle, I catch a glimpse of the shimmering domed ceiling. Though I want to linger, the crowd behind me feels overwhelming — I only take a moment to glance at the mosaic: Mary, robed in a deep blue, sits on a jeweled throne. She holds a young ...
Which Camp Are You In?
Despite the provocative title of this post, I’m not referring to political camps (Can I get an Amen?). This isn’t about which party you support or which side of a “hot” debate you’re on, or even if one should celebrate Halloween or not.
No, I’m talking about something entirely different — I’m referring to how we ...
You Don’t Need to be Fruitful Right Now
As I scroll social media, scan bookshelves, and read my email, one theme pops up repeatedly: productivity. We’re all looking for ways to get the most out of our time. Being productive is often tied to our purpose. After all, God designed us to use our talents and skills. When He created Adam, God didn’t ...
MEET SUSAN
