Encouraging Women to Passionately Pursue God
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 Glancing out the frosty window, I inwardly groaned. Gray skies, bare trees, and, what-on-earth? Snowflakes! Not already! Not after a cooler than usual summer. Not so close to last…
The call came in: “Get to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital- that’s where they’re life-flighting her.” Our healthy ten-year-old had just been diagnosed with Type I diabetes, and she was in diabetic ketoacidosis. This was a life-threatening emergency! While en route on the 200 mile trip, I tried to process this life-altering diagnosis. As a nurse, I…
Christmas Day is over. Maybe like me, you still have lots of celebrating to do, but the greatest festivities are finished. As I sit quietly during the pre-dawn hours the day after Christmas, I thoughtfully reflect. I adore the stillness of my living room; with only the tree lights glowing and a balsam candle scenting…
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,’” Luke 1:28 NIV Startled, young Mary was scared at the sudden appearance of an angel. She hadn’t received a written notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother probably never instructed her on how to entertain angels. Mary…
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.” Matthew 2:11a, NIV After endless months of treacherous travel, the star stopped over a humble home. With great reverence, we slowed to a stop. Dusting our clothes and wiping our hands we unpacked the gifts…
This autumn I undertook a mountain of work. My day job intensified. My next degree is almost completed. My family needs me just a much as ever. There seems there is just never enough time! I bet you know the feeling! Yet I prioritize. Not perfectly of course. I have my moments, just like anyone…
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “Lord, why did I ever think I should attempt this?” I desperately prayed as I stared at the computer screen. Why on earth did…
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16: 7b NIV I walked into church, a trained smile upon my lips; one that never seemed to reach my eyes. Our family was in the midst of a…
“Did the mail arrive,” our high school senior asked breathlessly as she burst through the door after school. “Yes,” I answered smiling, “but it hasn’t come yet.” It was a college acceptance letter she’d been expecting for weeks, anticipating for years. She knew she was set to graduate in a few short months and desperately…
“I will come back to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.” Jeremiah 29:10b NIV “Mommy, I need help!” Standing in the doorway, I stared aghast into our preschooler’s bedroom. She had found her new puzzles from Grandma. The five thirty-piece puzzles that hadn’t come with a picture. And,…