Happily Ever After
When I said “I do” 23 years ago to my husband, I literally expected to live happily ever after. In fact, the intro of our wedding video features clips from an animated fairy tale. I know, I was young and naive. The truth is, it didn’t take long to realize that there are challenges to face and obstacles to overcome even in marriage. And believe me when I say that we have our fair share! A greeting card I bought for my husband summarized our story well: "They took every smile and every tear, a few differences of opinion, and
Purity
I remember exactly where we were at. Dad and I were in our car at the bank’s drive-thru lane. I watched as the cylinder carrier zoomed up papers through the vertical tube to the teller inside the building. It was a very long line with about four cars ahead of us, and Dad used that time to talk to me about life. I was just starting middle school, and somehow, someway Dad got me to reveal that I had a crush on a boy. He has a gentle way of asking questions that prompts honest answers. Although I was extremely
Back to School Fears
My kids have been back at school for 2 weeks now. The weeks before are always filled with anticipation- and dread. They eagerly await the email that says who their teacher will be for the year. This year, my son started middle school, so he had a full on schedule with 8 periods and their respective teachers. We had meet the teacher night where we met all the teachers and walked his entire schedule. We did the back to school shopping for all the supplies and lunch boxes and whatever else was needed. While I was scurrying around Walmart with
Too Good To Not Believe
The more I live life, the more I see that life is not easy. My own life has been far from perfect. I would never have imagined myself where I am today - both the good and the not so good. But I realize that so many have a similar story. While theirs may not be the same trials, they have their own unique challenges and those are just as significant to them. Yet, I have seen those in my circle face those situations with such grace and strength. It hasn’t been easy. But it has not been debilitating either.
One-On-One Time
He arranged for me to meet her at a local coffee shop. I was nervous. This was the first time I was meeting his sister and it seemed....real. Meeting family meant our relationship was moving to another level. He left for work and I was left alone with her. I missed him badly...and he had just left. But she greeted me and welcomed me with a big hug. She was beautiful and had a contagious smile. My nerves were starting to calm. Then she said, "Ask me anything you want, and I'll tell you the truth." Wow! I had just
Going to Battle for our Children
The house was quiet and everyone was tucked in bed. I flipped off the last light switch and was heading to sleep myself when I felt the sudden unction to pray for my children. I’ve realized lately the need to go to war for them. From questionable ads on their devices to alluring billboards on our road trips, my kids have been surrounded by images I wished they’d never seen. It has prompted some serious family conversations over the past few months. I remember the days when I could snuggle my little babies in my arms and my only job
Be the Kind of Person that Your Dog Thinks You Are…
Some of you that follow our personal pages know that my family has been dealing with the death of our dog. He was 13 years old, and he was our first child. We had him before the arrival of both of our children, so they do not know a life without him. It's been an adjustment for all of us, particularly me and my daughter. I've written about Duke before. They say that dogs pick out someone in the family to be "theirs", and that was me. He was my constant companion. When the kids were little and we would
I was a Match
Over a decade ago, my friend organized a “bone marrow donor” drive to help save her friend’s little boy. He had been diagnosed with cancer, and was in need of a bone marrow transplant. They needed to find a “match” for him. My friend was informed the chances of finding a match might be higher if the donor was from the same ethnic community. With that being said, our community came out by the hundreds in full support. Months later, I received a letter. Though I wasn’t a match for that little boy, I was a possible match for another
Preparing Our Children
Growing up, I had the privilege of being raised in a loving home. It was such a protective environment that I believe I may have been sheltered from challenges along life’s journey. As a result, my understanding of God was that if you believe in Him, then bad things do not happen to you. Imagine my surprise once I was on my own and I began to experience “bad things”: loss, illness … to name a few. Wait, where’s God? Why is this happening to me? I’m a “good” person. In time, this thought pattern transformed into truly understanding Jesus’ words:
Paul Still Went…
Over the past year, we have had major appliance after major appliance break down in our home (see devotion from Feb 1). Our kitchen vent hood, refrigerator, microwave, and even our garage door - all needed to be replaced or repaired! With the passing of each appliance (and the huge purchase of a new one) my husband and I would just look at each other and shake our heads. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Did we forget to give our tithe???” Just keeping it real, friends! That’s where my mind went! Maybe it’s cultural, maybe it’s human nature…when things don’t
