Tag: writing to heal and encourage
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Morning Marathon: where does our help come from?
I glance at the clock. It’s 9:15 AM and I already feel like I’ve run a marathon. Note: I’ve not run a marathon, and those of you who have, you are rockstars! I know my body is not near as tired as I write this as yours is after a race. You, half-marathon or marathon…
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Worthy: God’s Whisper in Despair
You know those nights when tears soak your pillowcase leaving behind puffy eyes? Or tossing and turning is a constant companion, leaving you exhausted to face the day ahead? You are not alone; I’ve had those days, too. Take heart, dear one, God’s Word offers us a sweet truth for our worn-down souls. Even if…
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The Satisfier of Our Souls
Do laundry, pick up groceries, clean toilets, vacuum the endless dust bunnies, when was the last time I washed the sheets, and oh yeah, what are we even having for dinner? Does this list sound familiar to you? Often, I find myself believing the completion of this endless to-do list, will provide contentment. But, will…
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Hope When Our Lives Aren’t Perfect
I’m a perfectionist. Through and through. I crave order, things in place, perfectly crafted meals, precisely poured coffee, and a made bed complete with decorative pillows. I am also a mom of two young kids who love creating and playing. When a perfectionist mom collides with spur-of-the moment children, tension often overflows. If you can…
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Whispered Truths
“I’m terrible at this,” these negative words escape my daughter’s mouth, piercing the air and also my heart. This phrase stings like an open wound, especially coming from the mouth of my six year old daughter. Please don’t think you are terrible at something already. Please don’t let the lies loom large already, God. Allow…
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Five Truths For Our Weary Souls
Two weeks ago, during a string of rough days, intrusive thoughts blared across my mind, leaving in their wake, a tear-stricken face and warped mind. I’m not sure what your hard season looks like—job loss, heavy-hearted loneliness, a difficult diagnosis, grief from losing a loved one, a broken relationship, anxious and depressive thoughts, an eating…
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Because of His Death: “the old has gone, the new is here!”
Have you ever felt like spring’s beginning is just plain yucky? As we squelch through muddy backyards, wipe filthy dog paws, or dig in dirt to plant hopeful seeds, it is easy to focus on the dirt caked upon our shoes or underneath our fingernails. In doing so, we often forget the new creations breaking…
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Off the Bench: come to Jesus and find rest
My heart pounds in my chest like a pep band bass drum, setting a tempo too rapid for this occasion—sharing dinner with family and friends. In this moment, my body occupies a seat on the bench. The bench is a challenging place. I watch the game blur in front of me, wanting to join in,…
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Hagar’s Story is Ours: Sought and Seen
The anxiety twinges, slowly, spreading painful heat and prickling across my shoulder. Our room is dark; my husband soundly sleeping next to me. It seems that the enemy knows in this moment I am all alone, and the sadness, shame, and unworthiness begin to creep up from my insides. This life is so hard. Fighting…
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My View From Counseling
I know I need to go and I also really don’t want to—these thoughts hang simultaneously in the air. Does anyone want to voluntarily sign up to work through hard things with someone they don’t know very well? Definitely not me. I text a friend, please check in with me to make sure I schedule…
Refuge of Grace 