The Bible tells us not to fear something like 365 times— one time for every day of the year. Some theologians argue that’s not exactly true, but it sounds good so I’m going with it.
Actually it doesn’t really matter to me exactly how many times we’ve been told. I’m a mom, so I figure if I’ve said it once, that’s ... Read More
There are moments that the words don’t reach…
My daughter and I sat in the balcony overlooking the stage as Angelica sang these words.
There is suffering too terrible to name…
All of a sudden, I wasn’t watching a show about Alexander Hamilton. I was caught in my own thoughts.
The moments when you’re in so deep…
Have I ever been there? Have I ever ... Read More
Imagine your reaction if someone told you this…
A woman was sitting in her living room dealing with a terrible ordeal and all of a sudden, a peace that totally goes beyond anything she could understand or imagine or explain came sweeping over her body. In that instant, she suddenly felt happy. Joyful.
Would you think she was crazy?
That woman is me.
You ... Read More
The hardest thing to do when I’m feeling down is the one thing I know will help me feel better. It’s not exercise or sleep or eating healthier meals.
It’s kindness.
I know when I’m at my worst, I have to get my eyes off myself and put them squarely on the needs of others.
It works. Every time.
But it doesn’t just work ... Read More
My friend’s father-in-law recently died. It came on suddenly. It wasn’t supposed to happen that way. They weren’t prepared. I wonder, when it comes to losing someone we love, if we’re ever really prepared.
The hole that’s left while we are mourning seems like an endless chasm, and yet it’s the perfect size for kindness. Kindness shown through phone calls, flowers, ... Read More
“The Bible isn’t about you. The Bible is about God… searching for you.”
As my pastor’s words filled the church, my soul was simultaneously filled. Filled with love for a God who knew I would stray. And filled with gratitude that there is no where I can go that He can’t find me.
I’m just returning home from a whirlwind trip to ... Read More
I took a knee next to my father’s wheelchair. “Dad, I’m heading to the airport now. I’ll be back in a few months. Anything else you need to tell me?”
My dad had a stroke last June and last week I was able to make my third trip back to Wisconsin to see him.
Each time I go, there are big improvements. ... Read More
“I have a confession to make.”
I had never met the woman standing in front of me, but I could tell whatever she was about to say was serious.
“When I first heard that you were going to be our speaker, I rolled my eyes. I thought, What could a former Miss Wisconsin who looks like that possibly teach me? She’s got ... Read More
Have you ever felt like no one could possibly understand the chaotic and complicated inner workings of your brain? Even if you could explain them, it wouldn’t make much sense to an outsider, right? They are uniquely you.
Like the time I was in fourth grade and insisted on sleeping outside my dad’s bedroom door for three months. My parents had ... Read More
I was driving Ben to basketball the other day when I heard this from the backseat: Mom, why did God let our friends become homeless?
Oh boy. Some people close to us are going through a very tough time and my six year old has been wrestling with big issues. I took a deep breath and then tried to delicately pick ... Read More
