The stop light turned green, and I started across the city street rolling my carry-on suitcase. I was following my GPS through downtown Chicago to the train station. I squinted in the sunlight and a cool breeze kissed my shoulders. People strolled and zipped alongside me heading for work and play in the city. My friend told me it was a good [...] Keep Reading
christianity
Permission to Grieve
One year ago today my beloved husband made a giant leap into Heaven. Light streamed wildly through the blinds of our bedroom window. His hazel eyes moved toward the light. He saw something none of us could see. He clapped his hands together in his signature way, and left his broken body behind for a new one in Glory. When I spoke my wedding vows, [...] Keep Reading
How Counting Gifts Transformed My Heart
I opened my door on that blustery February morning and there it was – a book tied with a pale blue ribbon. I could see the now iconic cover with the picture of a robin’s nest holding two blue eggs. I traced the title script, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. My heart-friend had placed this gift on my [...] Keep Reading
Redefining Worship: How to redeem our everyday tasks for His glory
I grew up in a house spilling with music. My dad and brother were trumpet players. My mom played guitar and always sang in the church choir. My brother was the star in lots of school musicals and I devoted years to learning to play the piano. That love for music has also become contagious for my three daughters. Now I rush to church on Sundays [...] Keep Reading
A Road Trip Called Grief
I’m crazy about road trips. Ever since I learned how to drive I have loved the thrill of getting behind the wheel and going somewhere. I love to pump up the music, roll down the windows, and drink in the sights and sounds and wonder of it all. I grew up a city girl, so I love six lanes of traffic, twinkling city lights, and the obtuse angles of [...] Keep Reading
ONE WORD: Glory
For the last several years, a small group of my friends have gathered just after the turn of the New Year for a “Word Party.” Every year the party looks a little different. We let the kids (12 among the 5 of us) run wild in the yard or jump on the trampoline or play sardines in the bedrooms while the mamas gather around the table. My friend Amy is [...] Keep Reading