When you hear the word “father,” what do you think of? I think of a big burly teddy bear. Many of my friends—even my cousins—were afraid of my dad. But me? I remember him on the floor with us, down on all four as we piled on his back. I remember the fun times we […]
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:14 Last week, I told you about a few of the battles we have been fighting in our very short marriage. Every marriage requires a tremendous amount of work. Second marriages require even more work, more grace, more mercy. Blending two very different families […]
…and they lived happily ever after. I’m not sure who dreamed up this phrase, but they certainly aren’t familiar with real life. I’ve always been brutally honest with all of you. And here’s the brutal honest truth: Blending two families into one is not for the faint of heart. Don’t get me wrong. I love […]
Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 Over the last few years, my younger son, Cole, has been heavily involved in the national FFA organization. The mission of the FFA organization is to make a positive difference in […]
Lord, how ironic that I set a writing schedule over a month ago, and today I’m supposed to pray for joy. You see, I feel anything but joy. No happiness. No excitement. No sense of well-being. Only fear. Anxiety. Exhaustion. Frustration. Confusion. Joy is about the farthest thing from my heart and mind. The tears […]
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. Isaiah 9:6-7 Father, you came as the Prince of Peace. You came to […]
Thank you. Lord, the words don’t even seem adequate to express the gratitude in my heart. You are more than I deserve, more than I could ask for. You are with me always, in all circumstances. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians […]
Monday. The word can strike fear into the hearts of the most courageous person. And this week, Monday hit me HARD. I woke up with my head pounding, sending waves of nausea throughout my body. I stumbled out of bed and found the ibuprofen, swallowing it and praying for some quick relief. I grabbed a […]
My heart has been shattered into a million tiny fragments over and over the last few weeks. I’ve watched so much pain in this community, in my own home. I’ve shed thousands of tears, unable to control my own emotions. I’ve rallied all of my strength to fight for my child, to do what’s best […]
When I was walking through my divorce, I remember that moment of surrender. “Lord,” I cried out, “I don’t want this journey, but I will take it if this is what you have for me. But don’t you dare mess with my kids!” I’ve dealt with my share of hurt and pain over the last […]
