I am experiencing a time of waiting—for my foot to heal, for the day I can drive again, for the return of writing inspiration, and waiting bedside with a loved one, who is hovering between earth and eternity. I should be able to wait well. After all, I wrote a book on life pauses […]
5 Keys to Navigating Clusters of Difficulty
Have you experienced times when difficulty comes in clusters? My husband and I are navigating such a season. Physical recovery, providing care for an aging loved one, and other stressors combine to make it feel as if we are swimming in a sea of icebergs. We know eventually all these situations will moderate, or end, […]
The Value of Roots
Each year, thousands of people search for their roots through online sites or by other means. Some are looking for birth families; others are curious to know more about the lives and locations of past generations. Roots are important in nature and in our lives. Although we might survive, without a healthy root system, we […]
Thanksgiving Year-Round
Last week, our family gathered to celebrate the life of an amazing woman. Technically, she was my cousin-in-law, but I thought of her as blood kin because she was like us. Any time you were with her you felt special. Her laughter and smile were contagious. She was a great storyteller, but more than that, […]
Is Your Life Puzzle Missing a Piece?
Several friends enjoy working jigsaw puzzles. Often, they post pictures of their completed puzzles on social media and mention if the puzzle had an extra piece or a missing piece. When a piece is missing, the satisfaction of completing the puzzle is diminished. Our lives are as intricate and multifaceted as a multi-colored, many-pieced jigsaw […]
Living Life on the Edge of Uncertainty
For the second week in a row, I spent the day in the ER with my husband. His health has been a rollercoaster ride since November and has left us feeling as if we are constantly on the edge of the next emergent situation. We would happily give up our ER frequent flier designation. Much […]
Gaining Perspective on the New Year
With the dawn of a new year, many expected immediate improvement. But as we flipped the calendar to 2021 many things remain unchanged. The weariness of the old year clings to us. A year-long pandemic still rages. Overwhelming grief is an unwanted companion to many. Uncertainty is still present. So how do we gain perspective […]
The Heart of Christmas
Have you noticed Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas this year? Everyone is trying hard, but despite early decorating and attempts at festive social media posts, Christmas 2020 just isn’t the same. To say this year has been hard is a massive understatement. And just when you think you’re doing okay handling the strangeness, isolation, and […]
4 Tools to Tame Fear
Coronavirus. A plummeting stock market. Political bickering and banter. Wars and rumors of wars. If you look at the headlines, fear could easily wrap its tendrils around you, squeezing you into nonstop panic mode. Fear overtakes thoughts and overwhelms life, if you allow it to, but you don’t have to succumb to fear. Following are […]
Finding Identity
Yesterday, a precious little man entered our lives. His name harks back generations, echoing his forebearers. Yet he brings new identity to his name. Although he carries physical traits of his parents, grandparents, and beyond, he is unique, formed by Creator God in His likeness to fulfill plans and purposes designed specifically for him. We […]