I often wonder what it would be like to get through one day without a jolt of terror running through my veins. One day without experiencing an off-the-chart startled response would be heavenly. A soft knock on my office door or my husband’s gentle kiss to wake me in the morning can cause me to […]
Category: Grief/Encouragement
Illusions: The Danger of Believing What Is Absolutely Not True
Was the dress white with gold lace or blue with black lace? The jury’s still out on this one. In 2015, the Internet exploded over one dress. Or shall I say the color of one dress. Lies We Believe A wedding attendee shared with a few friends a photo, asking about the color of the […]
How to Find the Upside When Life Lets You Down
It can take immense work and strength to find anything remotely positive in an awful situation. Years ago, my dad and brothers planned a wild adventure: a hunting trip in one of the most inaccessible parts of Alaska . . . The Downside While my idea of bonding is shopping for fabulous shoes or choosing […]
“The Dog Ate My Homework” and Other Dumb Excuses We Need to Dump NOW
After three years of marriage, my daughter and son-in-law found a little “fixer-upper” and asked me to help them fix it up. They know I’m all about DIY stuff, especially when I see the miraculous things people do when they flip houses on TV. Those hour-long, “trash-to-treasure” shows appeal to my creative side. I couldn’t […]
Healing and Hope for Victims of Violence
An Interview with Chris Keith
Stalking, rape, harassment, trauma, murder . . . these words represent the enormous reality that domestic violence has become a global epidemic. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines domestic violence as . . . Willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and […]
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Three Questions We Must Leave at the Cross
Where is God when life falls apart? This isn’t a new question, but a question we often ponder when it seems we have lost everything . . . or something . . . or someone. During these difficult times, we feel that God is so far away. Years ago, a dear friend of mine experienced […]
Eleven Essentials for 20/20 Soul Sight
How well we see is a game changer. When I was younger, my vision was awful. I was legally blind. The numbers on my alarm clock—which was placed as close to the bed as possible—were blurry without my glasses. When I heard of a relatively new procedure called radial keratotomy (RK), I was all in. […]
If the Walls Could Speak
While sitting in a doctor’s waiting room the other day, I wondered, If the walls could speak, what would they say? Stories of sorrows, successes, survivors, suffering, surprises, and more? I mean, what would the walls say about our thoughts when all is silent and we wait? I bet the walls would speak of wordless things […]
The Root of Relational Joy
One winter, my son Austin and I sat on the patio warmed by the embers of a small fire. We laughed over his childhood memories that at the time felt far more chaotic. Back then, I wanted to be a perfect mother—as if there is such a thing. I was like most parents who want their […]
What Should I Say to Hurting People?
Ever wish you could reach out to a friend in crisis, but you’re just not sure what to say? Most of us tend either to avoid the person or situation altogether or to rush in and say too much. The list below demonstrates some ways you can effectively support people in need. Notice how these […]
Truths to Remember When Times Are Dark
Some people are beautiful . . . even when they cry. I am certainly not one of them . . . especially when I cry. When my heart breaks, tears gush; one little tissue is of no help. I grab the toilet paper ROLL . . . yep, those double-sized, extra strong rolls . . […]
A Double Disaster Daily Survival Guide: What You Must Do Now
The West Coast is no stranger to natural disasters. I was 4 years old when our chandelier began to sway like a playground swing at recess. Time stopped as the earth rocked and rolled beneath our feet. We had just moved to Southern California; none of us knew what to do except hang on for […]