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...
Does Peace Proceed or Follow the Steps of Faith?

Does Peace Proceed or Follow the Steps of Faith?

“You prepare a table before me…” The Good Shepherd knows what we need, how much we need, when we need it, and why. Our youngest child’s speech issues caused us great concern as we thought about moving to Thailand. Will she learn to speak? Could we find what she needs?...
Questions that Surround the Loss

Questions that Surround the Loss

I called my friend Amy from a bookstore as I stood before a row of beautiful journals. She answered the phone, and I sobbed, “I’ll never know my child’s favorite color.” I stood there weeping as I realized yet another aspect of my child that I would never know. During...
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...
My Dream: That My Girls and My Boy Be Both Beautiful and Strong

My Dream: That My Girls and My Boy Be Both Beautiful and Strong

While driving to school the other day, Eden started to sing, “He’s got the whole world in His hands” so Joeli and I joined him. He then started a verse, “He’s got the strong little boys in his hands…” Joeli and I joined him, but then after saying that once, we...