My place of retreat had been attacked. My memories didn’t match this sight: broken branches, dirty debris, rogue rocks and mud everywhere. Record-breaking rains had flooded my favorite trail. After the water receded, I braved the large puddles and set off into the unrecognizable woods. Beneath the canopy of flourishing green, the plants and paths…
Tag: Jeremiah 29:11
Impatiently Waiting
“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…
An Interrupted Agenda
I awoke with a start. Daylight filtered into our bedroom. No! Turning on my side, I gaped at the clock: 7:30. Mentally grumbling, I stumbled into the bathroom. How could I oversleep on a Saturday! My one day a week to work on my writing! The one day I rose early because I get to…
He Still Moves Mountains
I had my plans for the long weekend. My husband generously offered to take our children and the puppy to visit family out-of-state so I could work on a project. I didn’t expect the phone call Sunday morning that would forever change my life. “Stefanie, I need you here! Come to Pennsylvania ASAP! She’s being…
You KNOW
With an agonizing cry, he stumbled into the room, sinking to the bed. No Lord, this can’t be. But after hours of tears streaming frustration and pain from deep inside him, he knew somehow, yes, yes it was. Sitting up in the now-darkened room, he resisted turning the dial of the nightstand lamp. The sun…
There Must Be More…
Sinking onto the cement, fifteen-year-old Collette let her gaze fix on the painted autumn mountains. Every time life seemed too much, she retreated to her hidden perch on the patio behind the house. No deer currently grazed in the fields before the mountains, but if she stayed just a little longer she expected to sight…
He’s Got This!
Does the thought of 2018 fill you with excitement? Dread? Fear? Staring at a blank calendar for next year, I began to fill in important dates. Birthdays, doctor appointments, end of school (!) I wonder what the next year holds. Our family has experienced some challenging years recently and I sincerely pray for a year…
A Heart Searching
Slamming the trunk closed, Marcy sighed as she walked over to the driver’s door. She was ready to go home for the holidays. Home. More than a structure from her childhood. A place filled with people who loved her. Shaking her head to clear the threatening tears, she slid behind the wheel and buckled up….
Surprised But Blessed
I never would have dreamt this, I reflected. I found myself in a completely unexpected position. Yet God’s fingerprints were clearly evident all over it. As that situation unfolded, I had continuously prayed, asking God to close that door if I should not walk through it. Yet, the door swung wide open. God, close the…
Lessons From Tipper, Part VIII
“I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:14 NIV One Saturday morning I stumbled onto a precious scene: our second grader was curled up on the floor with a book and Tipper. She was reading aloud and Tipper was listening intently. Her eyes even…