Life is full of seasons. One way to help a young mother through the hard days of teething babies or the “terrible twos” is to remind her that “this too shall pass.” It’s just a season of life. It doesn’t last forever. I was reminded this past week that this adage has its limits. One … More The Hood
I have a confession to make. I don’t always act my age. In fact, I can be downright childish. It’s pitiful, I know, but I had to confess that to the Lord this morning during my quiet time. I’m just grateful he forgives stupidity. If I’ve peaked your curiosity to know what brought on this … More Pity Party
Everyone loves a good success story. A leading CEO goes from rags to riches. A rookie hits a home run that wins the game. A drug addict kicks the habit and now gives back to his community. A cancer patient is declared cancer-free. The odds in each of these cases were anything but promising as … More Defying the odds
Strange thoughts come to us in life, and I had one of those moments this last week. I was standing in my bedroom, looking at a picture of my late husband that hangs on the wall. It’s a picture our oldest son took of him, and it’s very good. It represents him as the pastor … More Two Faces
There are so many serendipities to following God. I like that word, because it reminds me of my dad. He was a serendipity-kind-of man; always looking for the blessings that God brings our way. Unlike the idea of “chance” or “luck”, serendipities in faith are like extra toppings to the already wonderful blessing of knowing … More When Writing meets Reality
One of the hard things about the Christian life, and one that the world doesn’t get, is praying in faith. Two things are important to remember in this: The prayers are lifted up to the God of all creation through Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not praying in blind … More Worth the Effort
The year was 1993. We were living in Damascus, Syria. I look up from my computer and out my window, thinking how long ago that seems. Yet the memory is clear. Her name was Kaokub. In English, it meant planet. I always thought that was a funny name to name a child, but some thirty years … More New Year, New Life
Ten years ago today we left. Raouf had preceded us on this journey, so I was alone with my two boys and an unruly Egyptian dog. We almost didn’t make it out, but in the end, they let us on the plane, dog and all. We said goodbye to Egypt, but we also said goodbye … More Leaving the field
I could barely talk with her. We spoke different languages, but in the short time I had with my mother-in-law, God gave me glimpses into the life of a woman of influence. She had no position in this world other than that of being a widow and mother. She lost her husband early in life, … More A Woman of Influence
Being in a confined space for ten days with a group of forty people from different nationalities and backgrounds is a prime opportunity for learning. A recent vacation to Italy provided such a chance, as I sat on a bus and walked the sites with a group of strangers. The first few days are quiet, … More Comfort Zones
