From the monthly archives:

April 2012

The First Step to Take Toward Light

04.30.2012

I bend my toes over the threshold and walk out alone into the early morning chill.  I put in the ear buds and listen to this–the call from David Platt to be a part of God’s great work among all peoples. I walk out into the darkness. He speaks of 8 million in northern Yemen [...]

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5 Things Better than Soap in Your Mouth

04.27.2012

She pouts and says, ‘then I’m never going to…’ and ‘I already knew that’ and ‘then I just won’t be your friend anymore.’ And the harshness of the words hurts my ears. But I drive away from time with a friend and can number the words misspoken-the way I boasted or complained or gossiped or [...]

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The Question Hanging Inside Your Closet

04.25.2012

I can still see my 17 year old self standing before that closet full of clothes and trying on at least twenty shirts before school.  I remember the days of obsessing over my mirror image and working hard to find the one pair of jeans that made me look more attractive than I actually felt. [...]

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If You’re Wondering How Today Will Go

04.24.2012

I read it on Sunday-the way the centurion believed Jesus could do just about anything, the way he trusted Him to work even if he didn’t see it with his own eyes, the way he was fine with Jesus staying put and just saying a word, the way his faith surprised even the faith giver. [...]

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Why I Need a Barren Woman’s Heart

04.23.2012

I don’t pretend to know the sorrow of barrenness.  Early in our marriage, I miscarried and then spent a number of months wondering if I would be able to carry a baby to full term.  But that sorrow and worry was eventually replaced, for me. And so, I tread lightly on this subject, knowing that [...]

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Instructions for Raising a Strong Child

04.20.2012

I look around the table each morning at all these eyes looking back at me.  And in the rare moments when it’s quiet enough to be honest, I can’t help but shudder a bit at the weight of their lives depending so much on mine and Jason’s.   I can’t help but cry out with [...]

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A Small Thing: ‘I’m Sorry’

04.19.2012

I never would’ve used the word to describe me…which probably means I should have. Defensive. Sounds so offensive, don’t you think? First year of marriage and after every argument, when we’d made it through the thick silence and slowly let go of some of the anger.  We’d talk it out.  We’d at least try.  We’d [...]

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Why You Should Talk to Your Plants (And Everything Else)

04.18.2012

The seeds in the dark ground are starting to come to life, we bend low to water them and watch the miracle and talk to them.  And in the little shoot of green, I can hear it if I listen-the way nature sings His praise.  And shouldn’t I too? We’re singing this song today-telling the [...]

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Why You’ve Got be Careful

04.17.2012

Our world is full of caution tape and safety precautions and hand sanitizer.  We’re all watching out for germs and cancer causers, on the lookout for disaster and danger.  I can worry all day about all there is to worry about.  But really, there is just one reason to be careful… Be very careful, therefore, [...]

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When I Pray for You, Daughter

04.16.2012

When I pray for you, daughter of mine, I pray for the most beautiful home… I see you with that doll house, see you already learning to make that nest for the babies and their blankets.  I know God made you to love to feel at home, to love to make a house into a [...]

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