I know the verse, but obviously I’m not very good at applying it: But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…* Preparation is important. I know when I’m heading to a board … More Unprepared
I don’t do math. I’m the person who made a B in Basic Math in college! I’m embarrassed to say what I made in the accounting class I attempted for some dumb reason. I probably thought the accountant I was dating at the time would turn out to be useful…but apparently he was only ornamental. … More The Prayer Equation
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
Have you memorized a verse from the Bible? Can you say it now? I’ve listened to people quote great sections of scripture, amazed at their ability to memorize and retain. I contribute my ability to recall verses to a class I participated in at my church during my youth. Many Baptist churches had Bible Drill … More Inspired and Profitable
I had an exercise in remembrance recently, as I went through some old journals and notebooks. While thumbing through notes taken during a college retreat back in 1984, the Lord reminded me of an encounter with a very unique woman. She was the main speaker, and I remember her talk as I look at a … More She made a difference
I had a friend ask me recently what ministry looks like when you have young children. I think the picture says it all. My sons were six and three when this was taken in Tunisia. Raouf and I weren’t in the picture, because we’re in the house teaching a marriage class to couples, the other parents … More Families Reaching Families
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
I’m a writer, which, in the literal sense, means I know how to put words on paper or screen. I’ve been this way since I was young, keeping diaries as a girl, prayer journals as a new Christian, and one of those students teachers liked, because I actually enjoyed essay questions. The only area my … More The Writing Journey
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 know, it sounds like a deep subject or modern-day jargon. Who goes around talking about circumstantial awareness, anyway? Yet, we’re always warning our kids to be aware of what’s going on around them in order to keep them safe from predators, so why can’t we think of it as adults? I ask myself, am … More Circumstantial Awareness