Close Call

Jeff and I were talking as we drove home after lunch. As we approached the hill, a young girl (4 or 5) came barreling toward us on her bicycle. Jeff slammed on the brakes, and exclaimed, “What is she doing?” At that moment, I looked up and saw the terrified expression on the girl’s face. She turned the steering wheel just in time to avoid…

God as Shade

We all go through periods when we need help from others. As I write this, I hear the Beatles song in my head: “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Who do you call on when you need help? I’m blessed with several good friends I can call when needed. While my friends are willing to do what they can to help,…

Biblical Self-care

Recently, I’ve thought a lot about self-care. I’ve heard pastors say self-care is sinful and worldly. Psychologists describe self-care as “doing what brings you joy” and popular media says, “You do you.” I’ve wrestled with a biblical view of self-care and here are my thoughts. The reason most of us need better self-care is that we are running ourselves ragged. We are so prideful we…

Gone Silent

I apologize for the silent treatment recently. To find balance during a season, I chose to give up a few things. I haven’t written in a while because I am learning to be still and quiet before God. He is teaching me to listen more and to speak less. He is teaching me patience and contentment in the waiting. While the silence can be maddening…

Contentment in the Stillness

On a recent road trip with Jeff, I was struck by the silence in the car. Surprisingly, my heart began to smile at the joy I felt just being together. In the past when I saw an older couple sitting across from each other at a restaurant in silence, I thought “How sad. I hope Jeff and I are never like that.” As I matured,…