I was alone, or at least I felt that way. Women huddled in happy clusters chatting about first one thing and then another. Some propped babies on their hips. Others clutched Bibles in their hands.
Most wore smiles on their faces. I wore one too. But it wasn’t a reflection of what was in my heart. The upturned lips were simply the camouflage I wore to blend in—to avoid being found out. Read more…
Last night was the end of March Madness when the UNC Tar Heels lost to the Villanova Wildcats by two points in the NCAA men’s basketball championship game. (If I were you, I might stop reading right now, but don’t. Keep going.)
I’m not much of a sports fan, even though I attended the University of Chapel Hill. Read more…
My friend Bonnie and I followed the GPS along winding back roads of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I had been speaking at an event in the area, and felt drawn to this place I’d come to know as Amish Grace.
Horse-drawn buggies with bearded drivers clippitty-clopped in front of us as if it were just another day. My stomach churned wondering what we would find. Read more…
It’s been hard. Really hard.
These past five weeks have taken their toll.
I’m amazed at how such a little thing turned into such a big deal.
Ever been there?
One word turned into a world of argument?
One decision turned into a downward decline?
One email turned into an erased relationship. Read more…
Yesterday I blogged over at Ann Voskamp’s A Holy Experience. I thought you might enjoy the post. I hope you feel as loved as you are.
She was beautiful.
She was bright.
And she was mad at God.
I sat across the table picking at a salad and trying to digest Jan’s words. Read more…
I’ve invited my friend, Emily Wierenga to share with you today from her new book, Making It Home. I love sweet Emily, and when you read her books, you can’t help but love her too. So grab a cup of coffee and take a peek in the window of her home and her soul.
How to be a Servant in a World Full of Self
Emily T. Read more…
I’ve been pondering this verse today: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1 NIV).
Most likely you can’t relate to being a slave, but maybe you can relate to the idea of being held captive in some area of your life. Read more…
I love Christmas, but I didn’t always.
Growing up, Christmas meant my dad drank more, my mom fussed more, and my parents fought more.
All I wanted was a little of that “peace on earth,” that we sang about in church. (Yes, we went to church.)
Sometimes “peace” is all a kid really wants for Christmas. Read more…
One last wish.
The longing of a dying mother’s heart.
A wish that only one person could have satisfied. But he didn’t.
If you’ve read any of my books, you know that my childhood was a cauldron of violent arguments, alcohol induced rage, and physically terrifying fights. As a child I saw things that a child should never see and heard things that a child should never hear. Read more…
I sat by her bed.
Her hand swollen…full…unmoving.
Feet that danced just a few weeks ago now stilled.
Arms that lifted just a short time ago now limp.
Words that spilled easily just a moment ago now haulted.
How could life seep away so quickly, right before my eyes?
Mom was ready. Read more…