light in darkness | peace in chaos | hope in uncertainty
The ancient tree in our yard lost a branch. Not just a little branch either. The air was still. The day was sunny. There had been no storm. No rain to speak of for weeks. Pop. Crack. Down it came. The wound was jagged, gaping. This mighty maple with roots so deep now bears the … Continue reading Such Trees Are Not Bothered
The following is an entry straight from the pages of my journal scrawled during one of the dark times. My heart is pounding at the thought of clicking "Publish." It's raw. A peek into the pit. This is what it looks like when your life is on hold and it's not a pretty picture, but … Continue reading When Someone’s Life is on Hold
Fair warning ... this post is a mini-Bible study. 🙂 You know that moment when you read a familiar passage of scripture and a verse leaps off the page and smacks you in the face? Look at me now! Psalm 46 starts with the verses familiar to many of us because it was set to music. … Continue reading Victory Song for the Hard Day
Here I sit today. Post war. Post depression. A large portion of the debris left on the battleground of our marriage has been cleared away. Major excavation has taken place. Positive experiences are replacing the negative ones of the past. Happy memories are beginning to crowd out the old memories full of hurt and regret. … Continue reading Permission to be at Ease
Sea creatures are fascinating. The little octopus held me captive while visiting an aquarium and I stared at it for several minutes. At the same time I shook off the willies that sent chill bumps up the skin of my back. How can something so alluring be so repelling at the same time? Touching a starfish and … Continue reading Of Sea Creatures and Kings
Have you ever felt like life just needs to stop so you can focus on the problem at hand? You reason, if I could only take some time to think about what’s going on and what I’m going to do about it, then I’d feel better. If only I didn’t have so many other things … Continue reading Of Brooding and Nesting, Roosting and Resting
Some days I sit and stare at my Bible and devo book. Mmmhhmm - my mind practically dismisses the familiar passages. I've heard all this before.... I find myself skimming the words of the prophets, poets, and apostles as if they were just another blog post or article. I am used to being enticed and entertained … Continue reading Just When I Think I’ve Heard it All
Several years ago, my husband and I attended a marriage retreat with couples from our church. One of the key points many of the women came away with is the fact that women are historical in nature, while men tend to be event-oriented. Normally, I shy away from putting men and women in completely separate … Continue reading Record Keeping
These words challenge me. Finish. With joy. Too often I start something, then don't finish. Or I finish, but there certainly isn't any joy in it because it was harder than I thought. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. --John 17:4 NIV But none of … Continue reading Finish. With Joy.
It was one of those weeks. We’ve all had one. You know, everything needs to be done right now. Not only the regular, everyday sort of things, but also the interruptions divine appointments that worm their way into the mix. I don’t know about you, but when the daily calendar and to-do list threaten to … Continue reading To-Do List Threatens Take Over
Treasures Hidden 