The last few weeks have been so emotional. Though the inner parts of my life have held steady, those around me are hurting deeply. In those seasons where everyone around you seems to be hurting, it is such a privilege to go to the Lord in prayer on their behalf. When we as believers feel we can do nothing, we can call on our creator and Savior to minister to our friends and loved ones. (Thank you, Lord, that the veil tore when Jesus died, and we can now approach the throne of grace boldly [cf. Hebrews 4:16].) As I have observed some extreme heaviness recently, my mind has wandered back to … [Read more...]

Looking back at my younger self, I remember thinking how romantic it would be to give of myself and sacrifice my wants and desires for the good of my man (whoever he might be); but, then I grew up, married the man, and found that sacrifice is anything but romantic. To put it bluntly: sacrifice hurts. Sacrifice pulls at the core of our human condition. Constant sacrifice can breed resentment. Sacrifice is no feel-good movie. The question is: Is it worth it? Are the sacrifices you will make – including the ones you cannot predict – worth it to you? This may sound like a question with only one … [Read more...]

Yesterday was a “wasted” day. You know the kind of day that I mean? You wake up with ideas about all that you will accomplish; but, by bedtime, you have done none of them (but eat and maybe shower). The night before, I had goals. I planned to write, work on another project, and shop for someone’s birthday. But, alas, by midnight I had completed about 7% of my goals for the day. So, I went to bed feeling unaccomplished, and surprisingly, unrested. One would think a day spent doing nothing productive would, by definition, be restful; but, it was the opposite. I spent emotional energy beating … [Read more...]