Beauty from Ashes

This morning when I woke up I could hardly wait for someone to ask me how I was. I knew exactly what I was going to say. It’s been a while since I’ve anticipated that question. A safe guess would be that for last six months or so I have not known how to answer … More The Joy of Surrender

I sat near the back of the sanctuary on Sunday. On my way to church that morning I almost turned around. I didn’t feel like smiling and shaking hands, pretending that everything was okay. I know that no one expects that of me, but what else can I do? I can’t break down weeping every … More Sing a New Song

The day I left Hawaii I sat on the beach and looked at the beautiful Pacific. I was on the Marine Corps Base and could see Kailua Beach across the way. Kailua Beach is where I spent so many happy days with my husband. My heart ached as I thought about the memories we had … More Focus on the Goodness of God

Faith. What is it? We throw that word around so often, saying things like “just have faith” or “he is a man of faith.” Recently, my “faith” was tested. I was so lonely and missed having that person in my life I could always call or text. I was missing my “other half” who made … More Faith: Clinging to what you know is true

I don’t believe that everything in life is meant to happen or that everything happens for a reason. I actually am coming to despise that phrase. Wars, divorce, death of the young and terrible things were not meant to be, they happen because of sin. God did not design sin or intend it. Any purpose … More Everything Doesn’t Happen for a Reason

I used to think that experiencing deep emotional pain was unique. A burden not many had to bear. Now as I go through the third deep loss in my 27 years of life, it no longer seems foreign. Loss has become an old, persistent friend. When my brother died at 19, I thought, “How could … More Join the Common Throng