Blog
#CoronaBonus
Back on March 14, when “social distancing” and “stay-at-home orders” were relatively new terms for us, my brother posted a picture of one of his favorite places—the lake where we spend the summer camping together. The picture showed the campground beach, blue skies, and calm waters—a welcomed respite from the chaos that was starting to overtake our world. He captioned the picture #coronabonus as a play on the word “coronavirus,” a term that has inundated our TV screens and newsfeeds in the weeks that have followed.
Back To Normal, But Never The Same
How are you doing? This is a question I’m asked quite often these days. And it’s not the typical quick wave and comment as people walk by. It’s a sincere desire to know how I’m feeling and doing following the November surgery. While I share a little with people, there is so much more to the story that most people don’t know; so many facets and details and stories within the story that make this kidney-donation experience more significant and life-changing for me than I ever imagined it would be.
Like An Amaryllis - Take 2
God taught me so much about the beauty of creation and life through my first amaryllis experience last winter. And I’ve really been looking forward to what new things God would reveal to me in year two. After its dormant season, I replanted my amaryllis bulb mid-November and waited for new growth to begin. As expected, the leaves sprouted, growing healthy and green and tall. But for reasons I don’t know, this year the blooms never came.
Cradle To The Cross - Part 1
I slowly shuffled into the stable, so tired I could barely put one foot in front of the other. Joseph held onto me as the innkeeper quickly cleared a spot on the dirt floor. The little town was overcrowded due to the census, and this was the only available place for us to lay down our weary heads…and weary we were. Having walked and ridden donkey-back nearly one hundred miles over the past ten days, my very pregnant body ached everywhere. Oh, how I longed for some sleep, even if it was to be found on the cold floor of this dirty barn out back.
Cradle To The Cross - Part 2
After kneeling in awe and worship at the manger of their newborn King, the shepherds had just left. They were so excited, so eager to go and tell others what had happened, sharing all they had seen and heard. I too, was so amazed, but I was much more introspective. I thought about everything that had happened, all the extraordinary things God had already done.
See His Glory, Tell His Story
Surrounded by the gentle breezes of the night sky, I leaned against a cool rock deep in the field. I looked through the darkness, keeping a watchful eye on my flock of sheep. It was a quiet night in these Bethlehem fields. My shepherd friends and I chatted softly to keep ourselves awake through the late hours. Then suddenly an angel burst forth from the darkness, filling the sky with the brilliant radiance of God’s glory.
He Found Rest
I spent the day working in the woodshop, much like every other day. But today I stayed late into the evening, pounding nails and assembling boards, all the while my mind in another place. I was distracted by the news Mary had given me not more than twenty-four hours ago. Her eyes spilled tears as her trembling hand took mine. The words came quietly, slowly from her lips. But there was only one word I heard clearly: pregnant. The rest of what she said faded into a fog of disbelief and confusion.
She Said Yes
It was the middle of a seemingly ordinary day. I went about my work, daydreaming about marrying Joseph and the life we would have together. When I looked up, I saw an angel before me. I took a step back. “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you!” he said to me. I looked around, startled and confused, wondering what this was all about.
A Tat, A Rap, And A Kidney
In January I got a tattoo, something I never thought I’d do. Not that I have anything against them; it just didn’t seem like me. But a couple months before, I had taught a Bible study lesson from 1 John 3. The first verse resonated so deeply with me that I created my own paraphrase based on my study of the original words and phrases.
Finding Joy
This is joy! I don’t mean me, Joy; I mean JOY – the deep-seated state of being that comes from truly knowing who you are and choosing to walk freely in it. This is joy that comes from breaking free from the past, breaking free from what others might say or think, breaking free from fear of failure or foolishness. I’ve said before that to feel deeply is to be fully alive – and that includes the greatest joys as well as the deepest pains. While there is a time to mourn and weep, there is also a time to dance and laugh. It says so right there in the Bible. It’s all part of this abundant life.
Bring The Rain
Camp Manitoqua was my happy place. I spent weeks of several consecutive summers attending and then serving at summer camp. I still describe those experiences as heaven on earth. I distinctly remember one night sitting outside in a wooded area. I was leaning against a rock with my Bible open in my lap. This time alone with God was an important camp discipline. God met me there that night, His Word coming alive in my soul once again. As I sat there reading and praying, God opened the heavens and rain poured out of the sky. I lifted my head and stretched out my arms, welcoming the rain, and allowing the Holy Spirit of God to wash over me, powerfully reminding me of His presence and His faithfulness.
Like An Amaryllis - Take 1
I bought an amaryllis for the first time this winter after hearing Christy Nockels sing the song she wrote simply titled “Amaryllis.” I immediately resonated with the message of the song, and have listened to it repeatedly since then. If you haven’t already done so, please click on the link above and be blessed as well…
Soul-Satisfying Sunday
As the devil continues to taunt the silent Savior, the ground begins to tremble. At first a quiet rumbling, but growing with intensity until it erupts in violent shaking, pushing away the stone. Satan’s sneer turns to fear as Jesus begins to move. Evil falls down as the Good Shepherd stands up. Darkness is exposed as the Light of the World is restored. Lies are obliterated as Truth is revealed.
Where Joy Begins
The doctor was certain. The tests revealed what they had prayed would not be true. The two of them would never have children. It simply was not possible. His words rang through their ears and pierced their hearts. But God, why? But God, don’t you know how badly we want this? Motherly intuition had told her their first child would be a girl, and they’d even chosen a name – Julie Ann. But now their worst nightmare had been confirmed, and a mother she might never be.