Transitions. We all have them. Some transitions fill us with expectation and excitement, others fill us with dread and uncertainty. Some transitions are of our own making, others are sometimes forced upon us. But there is no doubt, good or bad, we all need to learn how to adjust to transition in our lives. It is especially difficult to make a smooth transition when change comes our way, not through our own choosing, but through circumstances–sometimes beyond our control or understanding. Continue reading
Christianity
Begging Isn’t Enough – Do Something
Ever since Target enlightened the public on their stance on the use of restrooms by transgender individuals, Christians have been in an uproar. While I understand their concerns, I am also concerned about their handling of the issue. Quite frankly, transgenders have been using the restrooms they identify with for years. And before you start lambasting me and assuming I absolutely approve of this, please remember that kindness and mercy is far better in our dealing with non-Christians than hate and destructive rhetoric. Continue reading
The Truth About Success
Today I was contemplating what makes a person truly successful. How do we measure it? How do we know when someone achieves it? How do we even define it?
For some individuals success is defined by reaching the pinnacle of power, for others it is defined in hearing applause for a job well done, for the career person it may be defined by successfully climbing the corporate ladder. Each person identifies their own interpretation of success, and it is based on their cultural values, moral values, and personal goals. Continue reading
The Ants Go Marching
As an older woman whose children have all reached adulthood and live on their own, I am often reminded of how difficult it is being a Mom. As I read some of my younger friend’s Facebook posts, I wish I could make their journey easier, but in all honesty, even the best of parents experience their times of frustration and agony. I was far from a perfect Mom and there were days when I just wanted to throw in the towel or lock myself in the bathroom and throw a temper tantrum, kicking and screaming like a toddler (oh wait, I really did that!). Continue reading
Heartaches and Hope
If you have lived any time at all, you already know that in this life bad things happen. No matter who you are, or where you live, or what you do, at some point pain and heartache will touch your life. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, male or female, you are not exempt from this thing we call life.
Sometimes days are just hard. The heartache that comes seems unbearable. Continue reading
My Comfort Zone
I feel like my life has been in a holding pattern since my husband’s death six years ago. I have lived within my comfort zone, with very few challenges outside of it. However, for the past several months, the Holy Spirit has been convicting me to get ready for change. And for someone who does not like change, that is scary! Continue reading
A Precious Gift
In China being a Christian can bring many repercussions. While technically, being a Christian is allowed, it is only under very strict guidelines and you must register with the government. Only one version of the Bible is sanctioned and it has been highly edited. Continue reading
Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters
Cast Your Bread upon the Waters
I have been going through the daunting task of selling my home. Literally, months of preparation have taken place. The house was suffering from years of neglect simply because financially things have been difficult for me, especially since my husband’s death six years ago. The interior was dark with dark brown doors on all of the rooms, a tired kitchen and gold and blue bathrooms. The exterior? Well, that is a long, complicated story. Suffice it to say, in this house every time I turned around, some new issue had reared its ugly head. But this is where I can truly say, God is in control. Continue reading
Complexities of Motherhood
Mother’s Day is officially here and I must say I have been dreading it this year. It will be the first year with Mom gone. It is hard to believe it has been since October 27, 2015, that she drew her last breath and was ushered to the arms of Jesus. She is in a great place, reunited with Dad and the sister I never met.
My mom was a complicated, complex, and extremely intelligent woman. Continue reading
Embroiled in Scandal
If you have been in Christian circles long enough, you have undoubtedly been exposed to a church that is embroiled in scandal, hurt, and poor decisions. Individuals (both inside and outside of the church) have watched as leaders or members take a stand that is not only hurtful, but arrogant and prideful. It can be as simple as choosing a paint color and as complicated as an extra-marital affair on the part of the minister.
I have been watching a scandal unfold in a local church and the depth of the hurt has been unimaginable. No one in the church has been unscathed by the accusations and finger-pointing that has resulted as sin has been exposed to the light. My heart grieves as I watch a church that has been growing for years, splinter before my very eyes. I can’t imagine how burdened God’s heart is for his church right now. Continue reading
Ordinary People Extraordinary God 