Once a week, I pick my 15 year-old daughter, Piper, up from school and bring her home for lunch. We don't have a long time. And we have no agenda. We just eat lunch and talk. Just me and Piper. But there are weeks when I can't make it work. And, if there are a couple of lunchless weeks in a row, Piper lets me know that she needs some time with me. I love so much about this. I love spending time with her. She's fun. I love hearing her process her life. She has great insight. I … [Read more...] about Is It Time to Get Alone?
Intimacy with Christ
Is it Time to Welcome the Shrapnel?
Have you had a time in your life when your world tilted? When what you thought to be steady just wasn't anymore? When everything is being sifted? Years ago, when I was surrounded by littles, we hit crisis. My husband was pastoring a young church and the stress was intense. One thing piled up top of another. Bad decisions were made. Miscommunication happened. And there was ... dare I say it ... sin. Nobody had the right to thrown stones. But we all did. All of us. And as the dust … [Read more...] about Is it Time to Welcome the Shrapnel?
Welcome to our Family Room
Come on in! Let me get you a cup of something cozy while you warm up by the fire. We're still getting a few pictures on the wall, but the furniture is pretty much in place. Are you comfortable? Warm? I'm so glad you're here. And I hope you'll stay for awhile. Here in our family room we'll wrestle, and dig, and encourage each other. We'll grow alongside each other and become more of who we were made to be. We'll get freedom. And we'll get more of Jesus. Welcome! Welcome to a … [Read more...] about Welcome to our Family Room
When God Closes a Door
ZAMBIA! That's what was on my calendar for the end of June. My plan was to be back in Zambia with Chuck Madinger and a team from TWR to test the three pilot episodes of Holding Esther. For weeks our team discussed it, planned it, and were on the verge of purchasing plane tickets. Then we got the call. Our partnering organization needed to reschedule. I had to adjust my attitude a bit and trust that God’s purposes are better than my plans. This closed door opened opened a window for me … [Read more...] about When God Closes a Door
Something in the Rowing
After a full day of feeding thousands, Jesus walked down to the lakefront with his disciples. Their boat was waiting for them. Daylight was fading and clouds were skittering across the twilight sky. It would have made sense for them to camp out until morning. But Jesus had bigger plans. They were already worn out from the day, but they did what Jesus said. Each man took his place while Jesus watched from the shore. I see Peter taking charge, and then offering a hand to Jesus as he stood … [Read more...] about Something in the Rowing
Are You Taking Time to Grieve?
Jesus got the word that John had been beheaded by Herod. John was dear to Jesus. They were cousins. But, even more than this, John had been the one who prepared the way for Jesus. Even when people want to give John position, he said, "I am not the Christ. I'm not even worthy to tie his sandals." John was arrested. And while in prison, he had plenty of time to think. He wondered if he had missed it. Maybe Jesus wasn't the Christ. So, he brought his doubts to Jesus. I wonder how many of us … [Read more...] about Are You Taking Time to Grieve?