Popular television reality shows that “flip” old houses and give them a more modern, updated look are all the rage. While it might be as easy as hiring a handyman that can paint and change light fixtures to give it a cosmetic upgrade, sometimes it requires something more drastic. The hashtag, #demoday denotes a certain…
Sundays were different back in the 70’s. No stores were open on Sundays and it seemed as though everyone went to a church of some kind. I would wake up to the smell of homemade donuts and the sound of gospel music. We would get all dressed up, put on our patent leather shoes; I…
I didn’t get married in June. The sky threatened snow and the lace I wore on my long-sleeved wedding dress failed to block out the cold of an early January day. Looking back, there were a few things I would have done differently. With limited resources it wasn’t possible, but had I been able to…
Putting a pen to paper and writing down the things I am grateful for, thankfulness has been at the top of my “essential for survival” list. These are difficult days for so many, and while I am blessed that my life has not been altered financially (yet!) and I have no serious health issues, I…
I will never get used to it. I refuse to call it the “new normal.” Because it’s not. It’s not normal to avoid people or to cover your smile. While I have to accept it, I still struggle. This is a battle that I wrestle with in my mind–the “what ifs” and the “how longs”. …
I woke up this morning with a headache. My brain is on overload from all that is happening out there in the world and in my own family. My faithful pup beside me, I started my prayer time and thought about the gift that this little companion is… “I wonder if dogs get headaches too?”…
A fascinating part of humanity’s very existence is the presence of gravity. Gravity is defined as the fundamental force that pulls us toward the center of the earth; technically, it is what keeps us grounded. In conversation, the use of the word denotes a seriousness or even heaviness of a situation. While gravity is…
Up before dawn, I can hear that it’s raining… again. Still feeling frustrated with life being in such a holding pattern, I face a new day with dread instead of anticipation. It feels as though the days are mundane. Repetitive and lackluster. In the quiet, I confess my lack of gratitude and ask God to…
Until just recently, the only books written on a pandemic were history books and science fiction novels–neither of which seemed to include “HOW TO SURVIVE” instructions for future generations to follow. It seems to me that there are often two choices involved when we are faced with a situation that we know little to nothing…
“Lord, this is hard. Some days I feel like I have it all under control; life goes along swimmingly until the next thing comes along and I feel like I’m drowning. Just when I think it’s all under control, I realize that I have taken the reigns and am losing my grip. Arms open wide,…
Expecting my first baby, I was suddenly put on bed rest to prevent premature labor. I was only 28 weeks along and was not even allowed to sit up, rising only to go to the restroom (because I refused to use a bedpan!). The goal was to get me to at least 32 weeks– and…
Waiting is often seen as a unwelcome necessity. Time spent in line, in traffic, or in a doctor’s office is viewed as empty moments that are wasted. The allotted time acceptable for a wait is often preconceived and determined only by our own expectations. Though the clock ticks at the same pace 24 hours a…
I’m a list maker. At any give time, I might have a to-do list, a “when I have more time” list or in the back of my mind, a “someday I want to…” bucket list. While most of my blog posts are based on what God is teaching me through His Word, some are just…
I’m not very good at waiting. Especially when I am in not in control of the wait. One of life’s necessities, waiting will sometimes take us down a hard road that affects us emotionally. Fear, frustration, anger, or anxiety can become our new normal, and despite our best efforts we struggle to see the good.…
Standing on the precipice, I am paralyzed by the sound. ~~~ Unable to move or even think, the waves of fear and grief crash over me like a tsunami. ~~~ Overpowering. Taking over and completely subduing, submerging. ~~~ Drowning, I can see through the crystal clear water that wants to fill my lungs with death:…
