“I’ve learned that we need to examine closely the seeds planted in childhood; those early dreams might be the best indicator of where we can find life and fulfillment now.” When I was in the fourth grade, my dream was to become a writer. That year, I won a story writing contest. My piece…
I NEVER thought I would be a worship leader. I taught myself to play guitar in high school, drawn to the acoustic sound and romantic images of songs strummed by the campfire. As I mastered more chords, I would occasionally play for a small bible study group — but that was just a couple of songs…
“Freedom is recognizing that healing is a journey — not a destination.” I’ve spent much of the last four years navigating through significant and unexpected trauma with several important, foundational relationships in my life. The losses piled up high and at a dizzying pace. When I finally came out of the haze and took emotional inventory…
For years, I had one rule when I went to amusement parks: NEVER go on the thrill-seeking, height-defying rides. Personally, I don’t like to feel terrified for the “fun” of it. Also, I have a propensity for motion sickness and an inherited curvature of my spine, held firm by a large metal rod. My body can’t take…
Up until the start of 2015, I never could have imagined that the three members of my little family would each be living in a different city for nearly two years. My daughter had just turned 16, my husband had a good job, and I had a nice daily routine. Then she was introduced (not…
For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. – Habakkuk 1:5 That scripture stood out as I read my Bible on a Sunday morning in June 2004 while sitting in my Chevy Astro van with the odometer reading a bit over 177,000 miles.…
I keep seeing the phrase, “Be brave enough to suck at something new,” popping up all over my social media feeds. I love the sentiment — but I struggle with the application. My not-so-deep dark secret: I’m rarely brave. In fact, I barely know brave. For me, brave is a deadbeat emotion: entirely unreliable and utterly…