In this Holy week I’ve been pondering the events of Jesus’ last two days, and remembering. I remember how He celebrated Passover with His disciples that Thursday evening. How He ate and drank with them. How He gave thanks–the hardest eucharisteo. And then how He washed their feet. I remember how they wondered–how they were confused and didn’t understand. Why would […]
MS 037 Remembering Kara Tippetts: Mundane Faithfulness and Big Love with Kindness and Grace
Welcome to episode 037 of Mud Stories! Mud Stories is a podcast dedicated to bringing you inspiration in your muddiest moments, hope to make it through your mud, and encouragement for you to know, you are not alone. Today I have a special episode for you. A time of reflection and remembering. A time to refocus […]
When Graduation Changes Your View
I’d known it was coming for months—how they’d pass their own milestones this year and graduate. Him, the oldest of the five, towering tall. And her, the youngest, vibrant and sweet. He graduated from high school with all the pomp and circumstance—the tassel-shifting, hat-tossing, and cheering with streamers flying high into the sky. And she […]
The Way to Get Joy {And a Reminder: You’re Not Guilty Anymore}
She stands on that gigantic stage and accentuates with her arms to punctuate her points. And you can hear a pin drop in the room because at the core of each one of us, we are aching for joy. And she explains how it is possible. No matter what you’re facing, as long as thanks […]
How a Mistake Becomes a Gift
I wasn’t planning to write. That is, until we missed our flight. I guess that’s what happens when you confuse your departure time with your arrival time, and all eight of you miss your flight entirely. I know. Brilliant. I stand at the counter with the ticket agent there, and her six-year-old self saunters over […]
To Slow in This Season, and Reflect
I walk the perimeter of the tiny lake at sunset, and the trees reflect and glow on the surface of the lake’s still water. I walk, and ponder–reflect on my life, and this season I’m now living. There is silence. Ducks split the smoothness in formation, leaving a wake behind them. They are braving their […]
Choosing to Give Thanks and Fighting for Joy
I so clearly remember how I wanted to be a mother. I watched new moms with their babies, and dreamed of holding a new baby of my own. Holding and bathing. Feeding and changing–a life of meeting my baby’s needs. And then, I became a mother. Four children in six years. Months and months of […]
When a Soldier Fights for You, So You Can be Free
She’s already three centimeters dilated and just received her epidural when I meet her in the early morning. And she dozes as the other nurse gives me report. Her mother rocks in the recliner, back and forth, as any nervous grandma-to-be would, and I notice her droopy eyes and half-worn make-up as evidence of the […]
When Compassion and Letters Change the World
It was supposed to be just a simple concert at Christmas time, with familiar friends and nostalgic songs–songs of the season but also songs from the past. But sometimes God has a different plan in mind. One we don’t see until we’re already there. And this Michael W. Smith concert did not disappoint. He sat […]
What I Learned {September 2013}
At the end of every month, Emily Freeman shares what she’s learned, and she hosts a link-up on her blog where everyone can meet and share what they’ve learned too. And I’m joining her today! So here, in no particular order, are 10 things I learned in September… 1. God’s goodness and mercy hunts us down. As I […]
