What’s Beneath the Surface?

“Dig a little deeper. You’re almost there.” My oldest son encouraged his younger brother. The boys sat across from each other on the bank of the river. Each brother had his arm elbow-deep in the sand. “We did it!” shouted my youngest son as he grabbed his brother’s...

A Simple Chair

To a guest in our home, it is simply a plain gray chair in the corner. A chair situated by the window with an old, faded 'Home Sweet Home' pillow. Uninviting and unimpressive. To me, the chair is where I meet Jesus before the sun rises each...

What do you focus on?

Sitting atop the Ferris wheel, I glanced over at my ten-year-old son. After a full afternoon at the fair, we had saved the tallest ride for last. For the first time, his small frame sat high above the park. Terrified, yet determined. As the wheel began moving its circular...

How do you define the relationship?

“I don’t not like him,” my husband said. This double negative is my husband’s new favorite way to say that he's unsure whether he likes someone. According to my husband, this category is reserved for someone who he has no reason to dislike, but he's not willing to admit...

When you have a choice…

My eyelids, like a weighted blanket, press down across my eyes. It is 3 p.m., and every part of my body screams, “I need a nap!” Shuffling to the kitchen, I make a second cup of coffee. Surely, this convenient adenosine blocker will trick my...

What if you had it all along?

"Where could it be?" I said as I frantically searched through the house. We were running late, and I needed to find my phone before we could depart. "Mom, try using your 'find your phone' button on your watch," my son suggested, assuming I had forgotten...

Is the Year Slipping Away?

Before I knew it, I was on the ground. Tears instinctively flooded my eyes. My body ached from the sudden impact of the frozen ground beneath me. Unable to move, I called for help.  What started as a joy-filled walk on a sunny day ended with...

Do You Feel Like You’re Drowning?

Startled, I woke from a nightmare. Sweat pouring off my skin, I take a deep breath. Instead of drowning, I am lying safe in bed. Thankfully, I have never experienced the reality of that nightmare. However, I do know what it’s like to feel like I...

Embrace the Day With Hope

"Will you snuggle with me?" my eight-year-old said, as he descended the stairs.   Still enjoying my coffee and morning Bible study, I invited him to join me in my corner chair. I wrapped my arms around him and gently kissed his forehead. My baby was starting...