light in darkness | peace in chaos | hope in uncertainty
I walked into a coffee shop on the fancy side of town. The usual crowd was assembled. Pairs of 40-something women sipped lattes and talked about work, church, and their kids. 30-something men sat alone and stared at the screens of their devices, tethered by earbuds. I assume this was so they wouldn’t have to … Continue reading An Extra Shot of Gratitude Goes a Long Way
Remember taking multiple choice tests? They were a favorite of mine because even if I didn’t know the answer, there was a 25% chance I’d get it right anyway. If the teacher threw in a silly option the odds increased greatly by process of elimination. Decision making can be similar to the multiple choice test. … Continue reading How to Decide When You Can’t Decide
There's a popular notion out there that God's design for marriage is not our happiness, but to make us more like Jesus. I have read articles and book summaries stating that our loving Father isn't at all concerned if we are happy in marriage. We need to stick it out no matter what, confess our … Continue reading Hope for a Happy Marriage
I have a moonflower vine. It grows on a trellis just outside my sunroom. Most every night I peek outside to see if it’s blooming. The flowers are as big as my hand, smell faintly sweet, and have heart-shaped leaves. It is by far one of the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. I’m … Continue reading Of Moonflowers, Light, and Love
Remember playing hide and seek as a kid? My family used to play hide and seek on my grandparent’s farm after dark. The person who was “It” counted and everyone else scattered. Light from the house windows and moon eclipsed by trees and bushes cast shadowy dens across the property. It was hide and seek … Continue reading Why is God Hiding?
Maybe I should just say, I need a better plan. Okay, okay. I just need a plan. A plan for the morning and the rest of the day. I don’t have one. Well - wait – unless you count the one about boiling the water for my morning French-pressed wake up elixir. Straight up. Black. Strong. Yeah, I … Continue reading Do You Need a Better Plan?
One evening I was broadsided with a load of negative attitude. No rhyme or reason, just blah and phooey to the world. I suppose I could blame it on a rush of hormones or disappointment over missing a few days of writing, but honestly, there was no real explanation. Consequently, I started in on one … Continue reading Get Out of Your Pit!
It was such a pleasant evening. Double date with new friends. Not too hot out. Clear skies. Great food and conversation. A nice walk in the park. Then, putt-putt. You know, miniature golf. Okay, now I have to tell you – mini golf isn’t my favorite. It’s a simple, yet frustratingly difficult game. I like … Continue reading Lessons from Putt-Putt
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
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
Treasures Hidden 