Gaining a heart of wisdom
Here in rural Maine on an average Saturday, I might pull some weeds while I'm snipping crisp, early-morning lettuce leaves. There might be a carrot cake in the oven, a salad under construction on the counter, and a podcast playing in the background. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, on that very same Saturday, a woman my age… Continue reading Join Me in this Heartfelt Prayer of Hope for a Hurting World
Sunday Scripture A letter from the IRS claims space in your mailbox. The doctor orders more tests but is light on details or prognosis. Your boss hints that your performance might not be measuring up. Chances are just the suggestion of any one of these scenarios is enough to make your stomach churn and your… Continue reading What Does God Want Me to Know (And to Do!) About My Anxiety?
Sunday Scripture I don't recall exactly when I realized that I was missing the melody of the psalms in my daily life, but I decided to correct the situation by praying through the psalms. Now, twenty-something days into the practice, I'm grateful, because the practice of praying a psalm every day is opening up my… Continue reading Why You Should Pray a Psalm Every Day
I woke to the sound of my youngest son calling me.“Muuuum…” His tone told me everything I needed to know. He was sick, likely nauseated, and he needed help. I sat up in bed, ready to rush to his aid. As my feet hit the floor, my head cleared, and two facts crowded into my… Continue reading Bring Your Real Words to the Welcoming Heart of God
For one short season of our parenting journey, my husband and I felt as if we were hanging on to the reins of a runaway horse. Daily battles over curfews and negotiations around boundary lines had taken the place of warm conversation and laughter around the table. We mourned the loss as we searched for… Continue reading How to Pray for Your Teen When You’ve Run Out of Words
Sunday Scripture I remember clearly the momentous day when, deep in the weeds of Toddler Parenting, I realized I could do everything "right" and still end up with a wayward child. I could wear out a blender pureeing fresh veggies. I could teach and expect obedience, model polite manners, sing hymns at the breakfast table,… Continue reading Prayer Warrior Challenge: You Don’t Have to Dread Mother’s Day this Year!
Sunday Scripture If you are a person whose eyes are open and watching in the wee hours, if sleep sometimes eludes you because you aren't sure who's actually in charge when you aren't, you may need words to remind you of the large truth that God's sovereignty, goodness, and love are in effect, even in… Continue reading Why Is Prayer in the Night So Important?
I'm convinced we're prone to make entirely too much of visible, quantifiable ministry. Don't get me wrong--I love sharing the faith that is in me with a big roomful of women and then trusting God with the results. It's also extremely satisfying to write and then painstakingly edit an article that shows up online and… Continue reading Intercessory Prayer: The Hardest Work in the World
Sunday Scripture Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."Matthew 7:7-8 Have you ever heard this verse used like a blank check? I'll confess, when… Continue reading What Is Jesus REALLY Promising?
It's tempting, LORD, to put my faith in your gifts Rather than in you alone. Good health enables early rising, satisfying productivity; Strong legs: a swift gait; Clarity of thought: a coherent paragraph; An understanding friend: the comfort of being known. I wonder though, Could I share the Story? Advance the Kingdom? Or even get… Continue reading Prayer for a New Year
Living Our Days 