Experts encourage people to listen and give the “gift of presence” to the chronically ill. Learn what to say and do to help. For many, the most distressing consequence of chronic illness is social isolation. Friends, once plentiful, suddenly stop calling. Family members, unable to understand your … [Read more...] about Give the Chronically Ill the Gift of Presence
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Barn Burning: burn it all up before you burn out
My dear friend, Trinity Wilbourn lost everything in a house fire while she was at church yesterday. Her fourth baby is due in days and she has nothing left. Despite her tragic circumstances, her heart so inspires me. Here's a post from her blog, Walking Barefoot in the Sand. This is a leader you'll … [Read more...] about Barn Burning: burn it all up before you burn out
Spiritual Formation in Life’s Valleys
Which do you prefer — a mountain top experience or time spent in the valley? No brainer, right? Yet, it is often the valley experiences of life where true spiritual formation occurs. God reveals truth during wilderness seasons, but it comes at a price. We need to listen for God's still small voice … [Read more...] about Spiritual Formation in Life’s Valleys
Necessary Endings–Stepping Stones to Something New
Endings are a necessary part of life. Despite their inevitability, most of us face endings with a sense of regret, anger, and even fear. Whether personal, job-related, or relationship-oriented, endings are tough. But realize this — to move forward, you sometimes have to give up relationships, … [Read more...] about Necessary Endings–Stepping Stones to Something New
Memories of My Adopted Grandma
I pressed my face through the bars on the stair rails, waiting to catch a glimpse of the elderly woman who lived upstairs, Miss Meirink. We had lived in our new apartment for two weeks now, and each Tuesday, Miss Meirink walked up two flights of steps, carrying her bags of groceries. Her shoes made … [Read more...] about Memories of My Adopted Grandma
The Woman I Want to Be–Personal Manifesto
I want to be a woman after God’s own heart, a woman who fears the Lord, has ears to hear and eyes to see, and walks in step with God’s Spirit. I want to be authentic and transparent, avoiding “God talk,” in other words, language that is depersonalized, institutionalized, nonrelational, and … [Read more...] about The Woman I Want to Be–Personal Manifesto
