“Left to my own direction, my heart is a compass that guides me toward passions and pleasures. But God is the true compass, guiding me along His ultimate path for me, changing my heart and renewing my mind in the process. My heart is a broken instrument, so how can I possibly trust its direction? […]
Emotions
Navigating our feelings
Watch out for the Snakes!
This last week Mother Nature decided to move her radius and we are no longer within the bulls-eye of heat. I can actually go outside in the morning (past 8:00 even) and enjoy a walk. The kids and I try to get at least one mile in every morning and Saturday morning was no […]
When You Feel Frustrated with Life
I’m a recovering control freak. I’d like to keep the upper hand, but someone always has a little more umph. You know what I’m talking about? My circumstances rarely submit to my commands. Funny how life doesn’t have to listen to you. But, I’m starting to get used to it. And I’m ever-so-slowly learning that […]
Finding Happiness
Naturally a pessimistic and skeptical person, I’ve struggled to maintain my hold on joy. Life often feels like a grind we just survive through till we can get to eternity and really relax. Obviously, Christ didn’t promise us a life free from pain–quite the opposite actually–but even so, He offers us satisfaction and contentment, joy […]
Joy, I Miss You, But I Feel Guilty Around You Too
A few days ago, Jon Acuff posted of picture of himself in Austria, skiing these gorgeous slopes. Under the photo, he shared this: “I didn’t ski for 11 years. I grew up going in Massachusetts but then it was like I forgot something that gives me joy. Part of it was our stage of life, […]
Misery, Party of One, Seeking Company
Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. ~Helen Keller Last night I watched a show that involved a man named Charlie. Charlie had been working hard for a group of lawyers who treated him like a peon. He made their coffee runs […]
Facing the Enemies of my Marriage
I’d done it again: said the words I shouldn’t have said. Critiqued when I should have encouraged. And the person I love more than anyone else felt the brunt of my barbs. Why is it that the people we care the most for often receive the ugliest, unrestrained aspects of us? Sometimes I need to […]
What Really Scares You?
Our family launched a new practice this year: we now have enough Nerf guns to have a battle. Turning nearly all the lights out and taking teams, we establish ourselves on opposite ends of the house and slowly make our way toward one another. Three shots and you are out of the game. The kids […]
Do You Hate Winter and Dread Monday?
If you hate winter and dread Mondays, you might need a little dreary-day cheer today. Maybe you are just S.A.D. and need a little more sunlight and exercise. Please, if your situation is leading to depression (apathy, hopelessness, irritability, sleep abnormalities, loss of energy and guilt), consult a doctor or counselor immediately. Honestly, sometimes I […]
Ho-Hum Holidays: Dealing with Loneliness and Grief
After my dad went on to Heaven in 2013, my siblings and I wrestled through our loss in various ways. For some of us, keeping everything else as “normal” and same as possible helped shrink the hole. But for my brother, starting a new tradition (even having our Christmas celebration in a different location–not at […]