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in susan narjala
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 ...
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) ...
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 ...
What 20 Years of Marriage Has Taught Me
The hubbers and I celebrated 20 years of wedded bliss yesterday.
Okay, that’s not entirely true. While it’s been 20 beautiful years, it hasn’t been all bliss.
Like every married couple, along with the bliss, there’s been some blunders, bloopers, and, well, just plain brokenness (because that’s what marriage is: two flawed people coming together.)
Along with gathering ...
MEET SUSAN
