joyce

This past weekend marked a milestone for my husband’s parents. 50 GOLDEN YEARS OF MARRIAGE. That’s one half of a century in devoting oneself to another selflessly just as Christ does for us, the Church.  With Jesus at the center of it all, they have served faithfully by showing hospitality and generosity to countless, raising

Recently, I found myself in unchartered territory. While with a group of friends who were choosing between swimming in the pool or laying out on the beach, I ventured off to sit in the ocean … by myself. And I was perfectly content. Maybe you’re thinking, “What’s the big deal??” You see, I typically find

When I was single, I spent time imagining what marriage would be like. Between owning a home and starting a family, I was excited by the very idea because it seemed easy and dreamy in my mind. What can I say? I was young and naive lol. Then, I said “I do” and discovered there

Sadly, these recent times seem to be inundated with illness, hospitalizations, and untimely death. I don’t know about you, but it can feel quite overwhelming. And if I’m honest, it can feel frightening. But I am reminded that “God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in

You may have heard me mention before how my family and I enjoy taking road trips. However, there is a downside. It doesn’t take long to travel on an interstate before noticing bugs splattered on the windshield and well, all over the exterior of the car.  I know … gross.  Having returned from such a

Last week, (on the morning of our 22nd anniversary), I had put on a dress only for my husband to suggest that I wear a different outfit. I thought it worked for the occasion. But I heard his thoughts and I decided to change. The irony is that when I saw the shirt he was

Lately, my prayer list has been growing exponentially. So many folks have been battling sickness and loss. Sometimes, it seems as if the circumstances are just impossible.  Throughout my life, there have been times when I faced what looked impossible. Fear would grip me. Worry would overwhelm me. And I found myself sinking into a

I don’t know what going back to school looks like with your family. When my kids were young, there were squeals of excitement. They loved shopping for new school supplies and anticipating the wonderful world of letters, numbers, and colors. What fun to learn to cut and to use glue!  Eventually, as they grew older,

There are seasons of my life when I struggle with anxiety. Fear just comes over me because I am overwhelmed by my situation. Not only do I begin to wonder if God hears my prayers, but I also question if He understands that my prayer needs an answer … like yesterday! As I reflect on

Reading through the book of Psalms is quite sobering. David is as real as it gets between the honest struggles and sincere praises he shares with the Lord. Even though he knew he was doing the right thing by following after God, David was faced with challenges galore. His anguish was evident: “My heart pounds