Beyond Words
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 119:29 Today I have no words of my own that can adequately express my thanks to God for who He is. And one of my favorites from ages past thought the same. Yet, his words live on and have ushered multitudes into […]
Thanks Giving in Pain
Our farm has been dusted in powder sugar snow and flakes are flying as I write. I love the climate changes here in Wisconsin—the unique beauty of every season. The horses are now blanketed for the harsh northwest winds. The cats are snuggled in their polar-fleeced hay igloo in the barn. The tractor has been […]
Dear Hunter,
And there it is! Standing in my white terrycloth robe with a mug of Kenyan coffee in my hand, delightful aroma wafting its way to my nostrils, I look out my second-story bedroom window. Blazing orange fills my sight on this perfectly beautiful, November Sunday morning at dawn. Wait a minute! I’m facing NORTH! That […]
Is Jesus Enough?
Is Jesus really all we need? This weekend, my husband and I are stepping out with nothing clothing our hearts but hope and faith and love. Because sometimes the best thing is the hardest thing. Sometimes what’s best stings when hot tears roll down wrinkled face paths and we cry, “This, Lord?” I’m shaking on […]
Our God Sees
Just recently, I learned of a hidden discipline going on in our home. Nick thought it up and has been implementing it daily for two months. He makes me laugh. Like me, Nick loves country music. We laugh when singers croon about trucks and tractors and beer. I break into my scolding Granny voice and wag […]
Our Best Blessing
Thanks. Giving thanks. Giving thanks to God. For what? I’ve been thinking about the what lately. What am I thankful for, really? Well, I could list a thousand things like colored leaves and blue skies and health and horses and actually, I do make a practice of counting my blessings. But I’ve been thinking bigger […]
Moving Movies and the First Snow
Some movies move us. Last night, our family watched an extraordinary documentary listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest film screening in history. On August 11, 2012, in Milwaukee’s Miller Park Stadium, 28,442 people gathered to see Honor Flight—The Movie. They also came to honor the last of a dying generation—dying […]
Blessing of Beauty
My dad’s and my relationship is an example of how, with God, all things are possible. We’ve had a rather rough and sometimes downright distant relationship through the decades for numerous reasons. But I’ve prayed and waited and done right in honoring him as my father. The years have softened us both and today, we […]
True Friends, True Love, True Life
A true friend sent me a picture this morning on Facebook. A man and his horse in the background with these words in the foreground . . . Your greatest test is when you are able to bless someone else when you are going through your own storm. How do we bless others when we’re […]
Out of Sight
We wait at the end of the driveway for the school bus, Nick and I. Drizzle and gray and damp cold with no sun seen for three days straight—we know this weather well here, this time of year. Sometimes it’s hard to keep believing there’s a sun up there when all looks dreary. But […]
Seeds of Courage
Courage. That’s what I need. And comfort. My heart hurts. And rest. I’m soul tired. Courage. Comfort. Rest. Where do I go? I went to the lake—to our cottage on Lake Michigan, just ten miles north of our home. I went alone after church on Sunday because I craved solitude and quiet more than I’ve […]
Keeping It Real, Again
Well, I’m taking it easy today because we’ve had a long, hard week and my flesh is quite tired though my spirit is gaining strength. And I’m writing again today because it soothes me and teaches me. As I lean into God and listen for His words, He always comes shedding light and insight, refreshing […]