Joy
It’s that time of year again as we get ready to send our kids back to school. Yet, I think most of us can agree that it looks and feels different this year. Many have been faced with the unprecedented decision: do we keep our kids at home for virtual learning or do we send them to school for face to face classes? Some have even been faced with the decision of returning to the same school setting or transitioning to a new one. With this decision, I think most of us can also agree that there has been anxiety.
A Wholesome Tongue
When I was first getting to know my husband, we would have long conversations over meals. Our intention from the beginning was marriage, so there was no question on where we stood. I wasn't trying to interview him, but since we were on the road to making a commitment, there were deep questions I needed answers to. To avoid scaring him away, I had a one-liner I would use when introducing tough topics. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about..." By then, he had heard that line enough times to know that it was time to dish out
Breakthrough
Are you feeling weary from the journey? I know I am. And especially with everything that has been going on in 2020, it’s easy for me to get overwhelmed and filled with anxiety. But I’ve found what settles my spirit is worship. And this song has been at the top of my playlist for a few weeks now. Do you need to hear the gentle whisper of your Father telling you that it’s going to be alright? This song reminds me that it’s only the power and presence of God that brings breakthrough. Believing for a breakthrough this nation, for
The Lord is My Shepherd
A few weeks ago, my son tested positive for Covid-19. As I sat on the floor beside his bed (in between administering breathing treatments and temperature checks), the Holy Spirit prompted me to read and study Psalm 23. It’s a familiar chapter (most of us have it memorized). It’s usually read at somber occasions...but if I can be real with you, Psalm 23 ISN’T MY FAVORITE. It’s never been my go to passage during tough times. Something about the ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death’ part always made me sad. I prefer something a
Just Sayin’
“Don’t talk about politics or religion.” No matter how old you are, it’s something we’ve all heard. Over the years, other topics like racial and gender equality and abortion are off the table too. Of course, in 2020, we’ve added a whole new set of divisive discussions: Mask or no mask Pharmaceutical treatment or vaccine Lockdown or open up Social distance or herd immunity In-person classroom or virtual learning I, along with the other 7.5 billion people in the world, have my own opinions about all of the above...which I will not be sharing at this time. :-) However, as
Going and Doing as God Says
It was the summer of 1995. I had come to Dallas with my parents and siblings to attend an annual conference. While attending this conference, I had sung a solo “Here I Am” by Rebecca St. James, the lyrics of which popped up in my mind just recently. It begins: “God asks the question, "Whom shall I send?" Now what will we answer? Will we go and do as He says? All that He wants is a heart, ready, willing and waiting” Having completed my freshman year of college, those words had been echoing loudly in my spirit. I knew
Citizenship
The man peered over his glasses as he studied my face. He wanted to make sure it matched the photo in front of him. We had finally made it to the front of the long line of people returning back into the country after vacation. The process was long, but necessary. Behind us were hundreds of people, pulling luggage, clutching their passports as they inched forward. The officials were doing their job, allowing only the citizens to come back in. The man nodded and smiled, giving us the approval to move forward. We were relieved to be back home. The
Disappointments
This year started out with so much expectancy. A new year, a new decade, a fresh start...2020 vision. But almost as quickly as it started, all expectations and plans came to a disappointing halt. Travel plans, weddings, graduations, and milestone celebrations had to be postponed or canceled altogether. To be honest, it’s been really hard to stay positive as the year continues. As I was talking to my friend recently, we realized that with or without the year of the pandemic, life can still be full of disappointments. Whatever the disappointment is….not getting the dream wedding, not getting the dream
Uncertainty
I was looking back through some pictures from earlier this year… mid-March to be exact. My husband and I were enjoying the less-busy life. We had selfies of us with our homemade, mini-charcuterie board (aka deli meat and cheese), enjoying the beautiful weather, along with the complete freedom to do nothing. That was before “shelter-at-home” had the sting it does now. Now that we are into month 4 of “the corona problem” as my dad calls it, the fun has faded and fatigue has set in, along with a big blanket of uncertainty. We have no
No Excuses
When we prayerfully began our homeschooling journey over 13 years ago, I knew I loved children and I loved to teach. I will be the first to admit that I was scared to step out into these unknown waters, but we looked to the Lord for help and we trusted Him. With one child just graduated, one in high school, and one beginning middle school, I guess you could say that we are doing it and we enjoy what we are doing. God has guided us and given wisdom and grace for every moment … good, bad, and ugly. Yet,
