Celebrating with Faith and Red Velvet Cake

Celebrating with Faith and Red Velvet Cake

Well, I just made our annual red velvet cake. It’s the box version – that’s my way, but I pour a whole lot of love as I’m emptying the four ingredients into that bowl! I make this cake every year on December 4 – the day we celebrate “Joy Sees Jesus Day”. It’s a...
Four Ways to Embrace the Tears of Faith with the Laughter of Worship

Four Ways to Embrace the Tears of Faith with the Laughter of Worship

For years, a few days before November 29 I have begun to feel “off”. It’s weird. It’s like a sadness pervades my heart. It always catches me unaware. I awaken and feel “icky.” For years, I have questioned why I feel so out of sorts and then I look at a calendar. It...
For “Some of Us” on Mother’s Day

For “Some of Us” on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day comes again.  For many this day simply connotes a celebration – a precious card from the kiddos, a chaotic meal at an over-crowded restaurant, and tight squeezes from your little cuties (and maybe not so tight from those rebellious teenagers as you try to...
Stinging Hope after a Miscarriage

Stinging Hope after a Miscarriage

The brutal sting came on December 8. For four days I knew the sting might come, but I fought with prayer and bedrest. Chad fought with prayer and fasting. “Please, please, please Jesus help our child survive this pregnancy.” But on December 8, the call came. “Leslie,...
Going to Heaven to See Joy – Well, Not Yet

Going to Heaven to See Joy – Well, Not Yet

Do you have a loved one whom you know is in heaven? I have a few. But the one I long to meet the most is Joy – my daughter. On November 29 of 2008, I found out I was pregnant. It was unexpected and we were ecstatic. We claimed C.S. Lewis’ statement, “Surprised by...