No matter what the illness may be, it’s hard to watch children suffer. Whether facing a sudden catastrophic diagnosis, a chronic condition, or even common childhood ailments (which can still be very scary!), walking with a child through health problems can be a frightening and painful process for both caregiver and patient. Even parents and caregivers who have worked hard to develop a mature...
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34 Father in heaven, we thank you that you have poured out many kindnesses upon us—all the blessings of this life, our creation, preservation, and above all, your inestimable love in the redemption of the world through our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you today for the means of grace, for the hope...
Years ago when I was in the thick of diapers, bottles, and up-every-night parenting with four children, I agreed to speak at a retreat on being thankful. I think the speaking assignment sounded good to me because it meant a weekend away from home. But unfortunately, I didn’t really consider how much work it would be to prepare, speak, and THEN come back home. I don’t remember much of what I said...
Maybe it’s just me. Or maybe it’s all of us in our flesh. I hate being interrupted. I’ve been working remotely for almost a year now, and a few months back, I found a co-working place in town, a quiet spot to take conference calls and work undisturbed at a desk alongside other remote workers. One morning recently, I arrived at the co-working spot and there was a sign on the door: “Closed...
Let me paint you a picture. Each year I spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with my extended family in beautiful east Tennessee. It’s a time I look forward to each year, one that I don’t take for granted, because I recognize the uniqueness of our close-knit family. I’m the second oldest of nine cousins. Six are married, including my two younger sisters, and most of them have at least two kids...
