Each year I pick a word to meditate on…I know. The whole concept can seem a bit hokey, but for wordsmiths, this concept is an exhilarating gem. It’s a way for me to stay focused on God, and His character, throughout the ups and downs and crazy distractions that mark each year. Past words of the year have been bold, peace, presence…you get the idea. After much thought and prayer, 2020’s word of the year is follow. This word wasn’t chosen lightly. This past season has Read More
Walking with God
When Life Hands You…Wigs?
Yes, I know the saying goes, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” Sometimes there’s not a lemon to be found but a startling abundance of hair pieces. Hang with me and I’ll explain. Not long ago I ordered a pair of pants from an online store. I was supposed to appear on a television interview and I thought the pants would be cute paired with a top I already owned. The company promised the product would arrive before my interview. You know what’s coming. Read More
Why Dandelions?
“Ugh! Why’d you have to put dandelions in your story? I hate dandelions!” I’ve heard the sentiment several times from adults when they hear the title of my latest novel Where Dandelions Bloom. My only response is a smile and an internal snicker. Their attitude is the whole reason why I chose that resilient little flower for the story. Several springs ago, I was scrolling through social media, admiring everyone’s plans for their lawns and flower beds. There seemed to be a resounding cry from the Read More
What We Can Learn from the MacArthur/Beth Moore Debacle
Over this past week, a YouTube recording surfaced of John MacArthur sitting on a panel playing word association with other so-called Christian leaders. When Beth Moore’s name was thrown out, MacArthur replied, “Go home.” Other guests went on to call her a narcissist and the panel responded with a slew of reactions, both with reasons why they didn’t support her stance on Biblical issues, to down-right name-calling. The recording unleashed a fire storm on social media and MacArthur is facing a huge backlash. I’ve observed Read More
Would You Love Me Even Then?
Grace is sticky. I’ve pondered the best way to describe it for years and that’s the best adjective I can use. Sticky. It won’t let go. It clings. No matter the condition, grace stays, refusing to let go or give up. It extends love and blessings over and over again. My son and I often play a little game called “Would You Love Me Even Then?” One of us asks the other if we would still love each other if crazy things altered our appearance, Read More
When Forgiving Seems Impossible Part 2: Rose Mapendo
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. ” (Matthew 5:43-45) I don’t know about you but loving my enemies can be a tall order sometimes. People can be hurtful. Even downright mean. It’s easy to want to defend ourselves or our loved ones, to right the wrong, or inflict the same kind of hurt Read More
When Forgiving Seems Impossible: Part 1
“Lord, you want me to forgive them? But did you see what happened? Really?” If you’ve lived longer than, oh, say a week on planet Earth, forgiveness is likely something you’ve struggled with. Mean, manipulative people are everywhere. In all honesty, it’s not much of a struggle for me when nonbelievers tear me or my family apart with hastily flung barbs. Lost people are supposed to act lost. My greatest struggle in forgiving the lacerations of a too-sharp tongue or well-placed arrow have come from Read More
French Drains, Loving Your Enemies, and Pot Pie
The pounding on the door startled me. We hadn’t been home very long. Returning from my father-in-law’s funeral and all that entailed had been exhausting. My husband peeked through the glass. “Do you know this guy?” The man standing on the front porch gave off the vibe of a tightly coiled rattler. I shook my head. “Never seen him.” Todd frowned but opened the door to the stranger with a welcoming smile. “Hello! Can I help you?” The stranger was stocky. His neck was mottled Read More
When Your Heart is Stamped “Condemned”: Part 2
One of my favorite movies is It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey is continually baffled by the beauty his wife sees in their old, drafty, worn- down home. He only sees the creaking steps and sagging trim. But Mary Bailey’s eyes light up with hope and promise as she drinks in the sight of the big, rambling house. She sees the hidden beauty just waiting to be exposed. And I believe that is exactly how God sees us. Welcome back to When Your Heart is Read More
What You Can’t Take Back
I watched the teenage girl in the pew, her arms hugging her torso, cheeks flushed red as she stared at the floor. The rest of the congregation was singing some worship song about peace being found in God’s presence but not her. She looked trapped, blue-eyed gaze darting from side to side. My heart ached as I studied her. She had told me of the crippling anxiety that marked her days. Facing each morning with grit was a victory. Just when she had begun to Read More