I’m a broken person. I’m also someone who desires to live in a state of brokenness. Broken or brokenness? They may sound the same, but the difference in my life is huge. During a recent lunch with a friend, she mentioned a book she was reading on brokenness....
I’m watching toxic liquid drip into my husband’s IV as I write these words. Later this week, he’ll experience a needle in his eye. He didn’t easily agree to either activity. That brings me to choices. Some are fun. Vanilla ice cream or chocolate? Tennis or...
Did you know there’s a National I Am in Control Day? Really. And it’s observed annually on March 30. When I first learned of this dedicated day, I laughed. After all, I’m a self-confessed recovering control freak. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that...
I ignored the warnings for months. The first was a quiet, almost imperceptible nudge. Then came stronger recognition. Finally, last fall, when asked for a prayer request, my answer reflected a growing awareness. But still, I pushed those warnings aside. For those who...
I’m weary of people talking without listening to the words they speak. And they seem to be appearing in news headlines with appalling frequency. I’m weary of Christians who say God is love, then spew hatred for unbelievers. I’m weary of secularists who demand...
A new year, a new word. In 2015, my “one word” for the year was release—a word I didn’t like, but did need. These posts explain my choice and my experience in applying my one word. The following year, my word was joy…a word that seemed to be the opposite of release,...
Each new year brings the potential for a clean slate. New opportunities, new challenges, new experiences. But that clean slate also produces uncertainty. Globally, we're facing wars, terrorism, and natural disasters. Nationally, we're weary of political...
Can you identity the companies by these slogans? “Can You Hear Me Now?” “Just Do It” “The Quicker Picker Upper” Companies usually consider certain criteria when creating a marketing slogan or tagline. They look for phrases that will differentiate their brand while...
A line from the 1934 Babes in Toyland came to mind recently: “Big bait catches big rat!” It’s a quote by the villain, Barnaby, after he successfully traps the two hapless heroes, Laurel & Hardy. I’m reminded of that line almost every time I scroll through my...
I was recently reminded that a few weeks ago marked the first anniversary of the death of Elisabeth Elliot. She was the wife of martyred missionary Jim Elliot. Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve probably heard some of his quotes: “He is no fool who gives what he...
Power of the Tongue “O, Lord: Help my words be gracious and tender today, For tomorrow I may have to eat them!”...
Trying Harder to Believe a Lie Are you concerned that you’re not “doing” the Christian life right? Perhaps...
Selective Vision and Selective Listening As a writer and freelance editor, I’ve seen first-hand how easy it is...