I snuck into the bathroom as though my presence might scare off the dream. There it sat on the counter, the thin piece of pink and white plastic that had let me down month after month. It took only the quickest glance to recognize the stark white disappointment of another negative result. It’s been one year, one miscarriage and one chemical pregnancy, and for each of those clusters of days in ... View Post
The Messiness of Motherhood
This week I put together a Mother’s Day gift for a young mother whose son was tragically killed a couple weeks ago. I went to three stores to try and curate the perfect gift, one which would offer a silver lining of hope, bright colors for that instant smile, and a hint of Scripture and God’s promises. But in the construct of this gift, I knew it would minister only for the briefest moment. I knew ... View Post
If you want the church to change, go and be the church
When was the last time you were involved in a heated discussion about the church? Maybe it was about your home church and something that drives you crazy. Or maybe some “crazy Christian” made a comment that offended you and a discussion ensued about how “the church” is a hot mess. I’ve witnessed and been a part of lengthy debates regarding the church. These discussions have been regarding the ... View Post
When You Don’t Think You Can Be Mom Anymore: Seeking Rest in the Weary
“I think the Holy Spirit has left me,” I texted to my best friend late one night after getting my kids into bed. I’d lost my patience with them throughout the evening as they fought over who was more stupid, who really had Jesus in their heart, who made the mess, who loves the dog more, who the dog loves more, who peed on the toilet, who’s driving mom crazier (it was a draw) – you get the idea. ... View Post
Baggage Claim: How Does God Use Our Failure?
Sometimes, despite my best intentions, I feel like I can’t do anything right. My laundry room is piled up with clothes. There’s more toothpaste on the kids’ bathroom counter than in the tube. I ditch another opportunity to make a wholesome meal and instead load the family into the mini van for a field trip to the local Mexican restaurant. And those are just my perceived mothering failures. Don’t ... View Post
BAGGAGE CLAIM: IS YOUR FAITH WALK BOGGED DOWN?
I fly a lot. I’ve slowly graduated from white-knuckle-gripping the armrests and praying in hushed, panicked gasps for Jesus to keep my airplane in the air to feeling like a jet-setter, brisk-walking through the airport with my savvy traveler know-how in my comfy Sketchers and leggings. No matter how many times I fly, though, I can’t stand the wait for my luggage. I stand awkwardly with my arms ... View Post