light in darkness | peace in chaos | hope in uncertainty
Down she went into the hole. My 13-year old daughter disappeared from view. Heart pounding I climbed down after her. Darkness took over. Bumps and shouts slammed my ears as I crawled through the tunnel. "Shelby!?" "Come on, Mom!" The sound of her voice faded into the distance. My breathing quickened as I questioned … Continue reading A Fearful Follower
Wave after wave of excruciating labor coursed through her body. When the insides of a woman begin to cramp and push, there is an intensity and purpose which will not be hindered. Lack of control over what is happening in her can lead to despair. From the depths of her being my daughter summoned the … Continue reading On the Other Side of Pain
It started innocently enough. I watched people interact with their smartphones. They were so happy together. They enjoyed each other’s company. And the apps … all the apps. These tiny pocket pals were helpful, came in a variety of styles, and could be tailored to meet the needs and desires of their owner. I knew … Continue reading How to Break Up with Your Phone
I was in the dairy section at the grocery store when a man next to me reached for sour cream and said, “So, how ‘bout them Chiefs?” Looking around I realized he is talking to me. “Uhh …,” and I made a vague comment as I moved on to the cottage cheese. So did he. … Continue reading Of Impostors and Moments and Living Truth
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
Some days it’s just so hard to focus. Confusion sets in when things don’t go the way I think they ought. Consistent change is slow coming. Old behavior patterns rear their ugly heads. What follows are the effects of stress: the extremes of lack of appetite or binge eating, insomnia, little-to-no motivation for daily tasks, … Continue reading How to Impress God
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
“So, how's the new plan coming?” my friend asked me. “New plan?” I stared blankly as my mind raced to figure out what she was referring to. “Ohhh - the new plan! You mean the plan beyond getting up in the morning and making the coffee? That plan?” Half-joking, I quipped that I should be … Continue reading The New Old Plan
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?
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
Treasures Hidden 