Journal

Here's How can I love others in 2023 What does it mean to love others? To love them well, and not just on a surface level? Even more importantly, how do I love others who have slighted or hurt me?I scribbled that question on a prayer card…

Here's Advent: The Hard Season of Waiting Are you waiting for something? Are you questioning why God isn’t answering your prayers? Have you wondered whether God even cares?If so, you’re not alone. I’ve struggled with all those questions…

Here's Giving Thanks in the Hard I want to be grateful, but when people tell me to count my blessings when I’m struggling, I bristle. I want understanding and sympathy, not a lecture. Yet at the same time, I’ve learned that when I look at…

Here's Thanking People for Their Help Have you ever done something special for someone in need, and then felt unappreciated at their lack of response? Or has someone done something kind and thoughtful for you when you were struggling, but…

Here's Never Give Up Hope I pull into the driveway, and I’m undone yet again at seeing my stunning camellia bush. This simple shrub that has weathered many storms, has taught me to hope, even when all seems lost.Almost 16 years ago, I put…

Here's Why am I so ungrateful at Christmas? Nothing highlights my need for gratitude more than Christmas. My expectations are high. It’s my birthday. It’s Jesus’ birthday. And I have spent months shopping for the perfect gifts for…

Here's A Word for the New Year Every January, I select a word to symbolize the new year- what I want to improve, to change, to become. Choosing a word helps me focus. I consider both where I am lacking and where God is stretching me. The…

Here's Finding Joy in the midst of suffering I write and speak primarily about suffering. I didn’t choose this topic- if it were up to me, I’d be an expert on effective parenting, or gourmet cooking, or physical fitness. Or wealth…

Here's When a jackhammer won’t wake your daughter As I enter my daughter's room, her alarm clock is blasting. It sounds like a jackhammer. Literally. I mean all 113 decibels of it. It is louder than a blaring car horn (110 decibels) but not…

Here's Do I Value Sustaining Grace? I walk into Bible study ready to talk about prayer. I’m not sure how honest I want to be. While I know there is inexpressible value in prayer, I've had my own struggles with it, especially when people…