These past weeks I am finding comfort in Paul’s letters. Not only in the encouraging, joyful parts, but mainly the pieces that speak to his incredible suffering. Oftentimes, the encouragement is so closely tied to the sorrow as to be seen as the same thing—“sorrowful yet always rejoicing” (2 Cor. 6:10). Heavy sorrow and great … Continue reading Burning Lights in the Valley of Darkness
Nearly all of us know the scary feeling of everything around us seeming to fall apart or crumbling in on us. Relationships change through death, divorce, dysfunction, or distance. Finances fold or families are torn asunder. The job is yanked away or the move doesn’t materialize. Cancer or congestive heart failure come for the ones … Continue reading When Life Feels Fragile and Uncertain
Last night, I had the sweet privilege of painting a canvas, with two dear friends, at Kelly Gau’s studio. The template for a peaceful sailboat became a ragged boat in a rough storm. Dark sky, rough waters, and blowing rain completed the picture. But in spite of how dark it looks, there is so much … Continue reading Jesus has Overcome
“Oh, there will always be another time.” “Someone who is better able to answer their questions can talk to them.” These were my two thoughts for the longest time, and two thoughts I still struggle with. Not only do I feel woefully inadequate when I have gospel conversations with people who don’t yet know Jesus … Continue reading We Must Do Something
Four years ago this month, Bill Gothard resigned from his position with IBLP/ATI. The held-in breaths of thousands of us were finally exhaled. We believed that that era had finally come to a close. In the years following, not a whole lot was heard about him. Until Monday. Monday brought a new round of sorrow … Continue reading On Grief and Identity
Last week, my Bible reading plan took me through the final chapters of Genesis. I was listening to these chapters on CD as I attempted to drive to school Tuesday night. Going 25mph on a snow and ice-covered interstate, the words of Genesis 48:15 filled the tight space in the car: “The God who has … Continue reading The Shepherd of My Life
On my walk around the lake last night, I was thinking about the past year and talking to Jesus about it. I had no idea that this year would impact my life in the way it came to. Nor that my soul would find such rest, life, and hope in the midst of such brokenness, … Continue reading On Birthdays, and Jesus, and Relationships
