• Finding Meaning in Grief

    I often talk to client’s about David Kessler’s Sixth Stage of Grief — finding meaning. While God has brought transformational healing in my life, he continues to show me meaning in my own grief. On the one year anniversary of my first husband, Michael’s death, we planted a tree in his memory. This same day, our daughter was baptized. This was incredibly meaningful for me…

  • Suicide Prevention Starts with Us

    When we think about prevention, we often think in terms of how we can help others. No one dreams of ending it all one day — none of us are immune to suicidal thoughts. Many people assume suicides happen for a certain type of people. I would disagree. As humans, we all hurt. We experience times of debilitating pain (whether physical or emotional). Life hurts….

  • Hope Dealer

    Earlier this year, I went to a writer’s conference where I was asked to examine “what I do” to identify themes across all of my jobs. As I examined my roles as counselor, educator, and international member care coordinator I realized the common tread is hope — I am a hope dealer. I joke to my friends when people ask what I do for a…

  • The In-Between

    This morning I am pondering the day after the crucifixion. Matthew 27 tells us Pilate was afraid Jesus’ disciples might steal his body and tell the people Jesus rose from the dead. I wonder what the disciples were thinking. Were they hoping for a resurrected Jesus? Did they feel defeated and dejected? It must have been the longest 24 hours of their lives. How do…

  • Realizing the Magnitude of Lent

    Even though I grew up in church, I never really hurt much about Lent. This was something others did, not me. As I have matured in my faith, I have come to see the benefits of Lent to my own spiritual journey. Lent serves as a reminder of the 40 days Jesus withdrew to the wilderness; Jesus was tempted while in the wilderness. As Christians,…