Tags Archives
in faith
Christmas Rewrites the Questions
Earlier this week, I had the chance to do a mini solo getaway. Not just any getaway, but an uninterrupted time with God, reading the Word, worshipping Him, and simply practising His presence. In that place of quiet, I reflected on the year that has slipped by and spent some time thinking about what lies ...
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 ...
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 ...
Run Your Race
Recently, in an effort to “get fit in my forties,” I’ve started doing sprints.
Well, sprints may be a tad exaggerated. It’s more of a jog. Or a glorified shuffle. But the experts say that high-intensity bursts interspersed by moderately paced exercise reduce one's heart age by 20 years.
For me, that looks like about two minutes ...
A Holy Hunger, A Divine Discontent
Have you ever stopped in your tracks and thought, “Something’s missing… I’m not sure what it is,” and then, almost immediately, switched back to your routine?
Often, in the distractedness of the daily, we don’t stop long enough to understand why we’re restless or discontent.
In one of my favorite stories in the Bible, Jacob (Abraham’s grandson) ...
MEET SUSAN
