Ahhh, Valentine's Day. The air is awash with the smell of overpriced roses, my dining room table is covered with glitter from my school-age children's card-making, and my waistline is telling me I absolutely do not need anymore of those delicious heart-shaped chocolates. Okay, yes, I sound a bit cynical. I'm not a huge fan … Continue reading When Love Hurts
Jesus
Keeping Secrets
As mentioned in my last "wellnesswednesday" post, I'm continuing a deep dive through the books of 1 and 2 Kings. And, also as previously mentioned, there is a distinct pattern that becomes evident the longer you read: "XYZ, son of ABC, became king in 123, and ruled for 456 years. He did evil/good in the … Continue reading Keeping Secrets
Seeking Fame and Fortune in the Book of Kings
I'm currently doing an in-depth study of the books of 1 and 2 Kings and, while I love diving into the history of the Old Testament because of the deeper understanding it gives me of the New Testament, I have to admit: some of the OT stories can drag a bit. Especially for a writer … Continue reading Seeking Fame and Fortune in the Book of Kings
In The Space Between Promises
As the Advent season progresses, I find my mind traveling to those ancient streets of Bethlehem more and more, to the beautiful story of the pregnant woman in the stable, the animals keeping watch as our Savior was brought into the world in the most humble of circumstances. But every so often I have to … Continue reading In The Space Between Promises
When Glory Days Have Passed, THE Glory Does Not
When you hear the name "King David," what do you think of? Perhaps you think of the small boy who, in the strength of the Lord, defeated the giant Goliath with only a slingshot and a few stones. Or maybe you think of the strong, capable chosen man of God who could have easily overtaken … Continue reading When Glory Days Have Passed, THE Glory Does Not
The Ugly Side of Thankfulness
As we roll into the Thanksgiving season, I find myself once again trying to focus on blessings. It is true, no matter what season or circumstance, that God blesses each one of us "abundantly, so that in all things at all times, [we} hav[e] all that [we] need.." (2 Corinthians 9:8), and this time of … Continue reading The Ugly Side of Thankfulness
No Room At the Inn…Again
In the autumn of 1898, two traveling salesmen, John H. Nicholson of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Samuel E. Hill of Beloit, Wisconsin, both arrived at the Central House Hotel at Boscobel, Wisconsin, for the night. The hotel was crowded, harkening back to a story with which the two Christian men were well-aware: "there was no room … Continue reading No Room At the Inn…Again
Leaky Vessels
I inherited a lot of things from my mother. I have her eyes, her nose, her smile. I even have her proclivity for puzzles and love for all things DIY. I did not, however, inherit her green thumb. Not saying I haven't tried. Oh, how I've tried. I love plants, especially indoor ones. And I … Continue reading Leaky Vessels
Constantine and the Cross
By the third century, the Roman Empire--the most powerful and wealthy empire the world had ever seen--was in a state of chaos. Civil wars, invasions, and disease were rampant. Things were so bad, in fact, that historians would later refer to this period as "the Crisis of the Third Century." Emperor Diocletian tried to bring … Continue reading Constantine and the Cross
Hospitals, Rough Drafts, and God’s Calling
Back in the early days of the year-which-shall-not-be-named, my husband and I found ourselves, like many parents across the country, suddenly faced with the task of homeschooling our two kids. It was not a pleasant experience. (P.S. This is not a knock against homeschooling parents. Y'all are my heroes. It was just not a good … Continue reading Hospitals, Rough Drafts, and God’s Calling