At the beginning of May, I had hoped that I would get these book recommendations shared while it was still Mental Health Month. But, it was a month of deep, dark places for me mentally and emotionally, and it just didn't happen. I have a few books I have read in past few months that … Continue reading “A Quiet Mind to Suffer With” – 20 Quotes
Jesus
My Top Books Read in 2023
I would have to say that reading other people’s lists of top books each year is one of the highlights of my December. But it’s also a joy of mine to share my own list each year, as I know those who love to read are always looking for new titles to add to their … Continue reading My Top Books Read in 2023
On Grief and Identity
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
The Shepherd of My Life
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 Birthdays, and Jesus, and Relationships
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
Fall Into Jesus
Grief reminds us that life is broken and sorrow reminds us that we are not whole. But we do not fall into despair. We fall into Jesus. We grieve hard and long. We mourn deeply and cry long. We feel the loss as close as the skin stretched tight over bone. Our faces are wet … Continue reading Fall Into Jesus
Dandelions
One can either see them as hideous, nuisance weeds or one can choose to see them as flowers the color of sun and hope. Either they are pepper shakers of seeds that will cause more problems in future years or they are vessels for a thousand wishes to be carried off in the wind. … Continue reading Dandelions
The Greatest Grief
A year ago, my family gathered for a quiet graveside service to remember the life of my grandpa. The wind was strong, the harmonicas were beautiful, the memories were precious, and the time together was all of that and then some. It was too early for flowers to poke up in the earth, too cold … Continue reading The Greatest Grief
Bittersweet: God is Working in Our Pain for Our Benefit
Over the span of four days, I slowly read the story of Jesus and Lazarus in John 11. This story is heavy on emotion and relationship and life in and after death. But the thing that really got my attention this week was Jesus’ statement to his disciples: “Lazarus has died, and for your sake … Continue reading Bittersweet: God is Working in Our Pain for Our Benefit
Listen to Your Tears
This summer I started reading a most wonderful book by Emily Freeman titled A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live. In this book, Emily calls her readers to realize we are all image-bearers and artists. We were born to create and be a “living poem”. While helping people discover the … Continue reading Listen to Your Tears
Down Here Looking Up 