A hundred years ago, the term teenager wasn’t used—at least not in everyday circles. Instead, people were either children or adults, usually distinguished by marriage and/or “leaving the farm”. With the Industrial Revolution and mandatory high-school attendance, the gap years between 12 and 20 became something more significant. Now, teens could choose to go work […]
Hope
When the Miraculous Happens
[ I had every intention this afternoon of writing down my thoughts on strong women (Capitalizing on the quintessential WOMAN of God vs. the broken stereotypes that seem out of place… and where the heck people like Judge and Prophetess Deborah even fit into the modern church equation); I’ll get there eventually. ] But God […]
Grabbing the Unraveled Threads
Haven’t written much lately. Haven’t much felt like it. Can you relate to the mood? December brought Covid, cancelled holidays, nearly a month of quarantining and an ER and hospital stay. As soon as that “was over”, I had to jump back into work, teaching, co-op, and the kids’ schedule. I don’t think my spirit […]
What’s with all the Blood?
When I was a kid, sometimes I’d enter the bathroom I shared with my brother, and blood would confront me. Red splattered the sink, blood-soaked tissues littered the trashcan, and all evidence pointed to some bad juju. Of course, nothing sinister had transpired; my poor brother suffered severe nosebleeds as a kid, but the sight […]
Don’t Tell Me Lies, Sweet Little Lies
A few friends in my circle have remained what I will term tier-two friends. Although we are more than acquaintances, they’ve never made it to the third level because–quite honestly–they barely share any of their heart. Despite my attempts, there’s no vulnerability or soul connection. As a person who hates small talk–talk about exhausting–I used […]
Close Calls: The Fragile Life
A few days ago I was tending to our family garden, weeding and watering, and I noticed two things. The new shoots of plant life–the kind that actually produce fruit for the body–were easily destroyed. And yet,
The Purpose of Silence
For the last four years, our homeschool family has gathered with other families to teach, learn, and grow together. Each mom takes time weaving in her personal touches to the lesson, whether it’s history, science, art, music, or Latin. My friend Dinah teaches the music portion, explaining the notes and beats of a musical composition. […]
Brace Yourself, for the Worst is Yet to Come…
I don’t know when I started consciously verbalizing this prayer, but “Come, Lord, Jesus. Bring revival” has stirred my heart for some time. I know that echoes the prayer of many believers. As the year progresses and we see evil increase, our discernment and desire should rise as well. Last year I read a Tony […]
I See You
When I was a child, I had a Goldenbook that showed how God is always with us and these simple truths brought me great comfort. At night, when we are alone in the dark, God is with us. If we travel across the seas, He is with us. If we are in a room full […]
Weekend Exhale: Body & Soul
How ya holding up, friend? Is the cabin fever spiking? How about those walls? Do they seem to be shrinking in? Have you redone your landscaping and organized your pantry yet? I have a friend who is making it her goal to wash every window in her house (she has three times as many as […]