Dance in the Rain
Welcome to My Journal
My life has often felt like a raging storm. A hurricane without an end. And yet God has given me joy in the midst of it. And through the raging storms and the intermittent drizzle, I’m learning to dance in the rain. (Figuratively, of course.)
But I Can’t Feed 4000 People
God doesn’t only bless our work if we pray or have a quiet time. My time with God is not a favor I do for Him, hoping to get something in exchange. But if I skip it, I miss out on hearing His voice.
Where is God in the Dark?
Our lowest emotional points bring our most significant growth, our greatest dependence on God and our platform for ministry. It is in these low points that God does His deepest work in us…
Really? Grace…for them?
When well-meaning friends have said insensitive things to me when I’m suffering, I’ve been tempted to get angry or even walk away from the relationship. But here’s what I’ve learned
Laughter is Serious Business
I love laughing – it has gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life. Here are a few things that I have done to increase the amount of humor in my life.
Anger is Contagious
In most arguments, I am more concerned about being heard and understood than I am about hearing or understanding. That’s because I think I’m always right.
Transitions, Wilderness Treks and Other Uncomfortable Activities
Transitions in life are challenging as we leave the familiar to go out into the unknown. But understanding one profound principle has helped me navigate all my transitions…
The Best Way to Discourage a Suffering Friend
It’s so easy to discourage our friends who are suffering, by comparing them to others, minimizing their struggles, offering unasked for advice. Here’s what NOT to do..
God’s Dreams are Bigger Than Mine
Writing for me was born out of a tremendous loss. Yet God turned that loss into something bigger than I ever imagined. Because His plans are always bigger than my dreams…
When Waiting Hurts
I went through a period of agonizing waiting, looking for signs of whether God would give me what I prayed for. Though the wait felt excruciating, God had changed me in the process.
What am I Waiting For?
I’ve never liked to wait but it’s in the waiting that I often see God most clearly and stumble on unexpected beauty when I’m willing to slow down and look for it.
Grudging Obedience and Extravagant Grace
I had been consumed with anger and bitterness towards someone who hurt me deeply and irrevocably. But as I forgave her, I was amazed at the freedom and joy it gave me.
Life Lessons from my Dog
My dog Mocha is adorable but high maintenance. He’s taught me a lot about myself, my parenting deficiencies, and how to face my fears, in a backwards way.
Are Scars Beautiful?
For decades I tried to hide my physical scars, because they were ugly and embarrassing. Now I see that scars signify our healing and help us to accept the wounds that have shaped us.
This is What it means to Be Held
Natalie Grant’s hit song Held was written by my friend Christa Wells, and the first verse was inspired by my son Paul who died at two months old.
Good Friday: Consolation from the Cross
This year, Jesus' last days have gripped me like never before. Good Friday has become more precious as I have seen new facets of the cross to be thankful for and have fallen even more in love with Jesus.
Why Doesn’t God Heal Everyone?
I left a healing service unchanged. The pastor said my faith was too weak. But in the not being healed, the crying out to God, the trusting him when it hurts, I have seen God most clearly.
Has God Forgotten to be Gracious?
When I am most discouraged, I need to look back over my life and remember God’s faithfulness to me. And as I do, I am often stunned to see all God has done in my deepest suffering.
But I Don’t Want to Forgive…
Forgiveness is hard. It often feels like death. But in the end it is more than worth it, as God unleashes His power in us in an unparalleled way.
There are more important things in life than walking
I had dinner with Joni Eareckson Tada and was struck with the beauty of her words and her life. She has taught me that surrender is an act of worship.