Faith is a miracle worker. It moves mountains and heals the sick and brings about the impossible. Faith is the evidence of a world unseen. But did you know that there is something faith cannot do? The last few weeks, I've been reading stories of Anabaptist history to my children. After numerous failed attempts to …
Category: Hearing God
A month of blessing
October used to be one of my favorite months of the year. Crisp, fall air pushing away the heat of summer. Chrysanthemums. Pumpkin and apple pies steaming from their flaky crusts, smelling of cinnamon and spice. Fall décor. Will and my wedding anniversary. Leaves falling into crackling piles, and children romping through them, rosy-cheeked. But …
Two Verses for Weary Parents
Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I sank into my rocking chair and pulled a blanket around me while my three extra children settled onto the couches. After a smidgeon of rustling and wiggling and whispering, the kids were asleep for another hour before they needed to get up for their ride to school. In …
When Parents are Failing
What do you do when you think your friends are failing at parenting? Of course, it's easy to have all the answers about parenting before you've tried it out yourself. But suppose you have parented several children already, and what you see in other people makes you shake your head in despair? Let me tell …
The Woman at the Beach
“We are done with people for the week!” I grinned at Will as our family drove out our lane, pulling a rented camper behind for five days of rest and family fun. Our goal was to see the total eclipse in Nebraska, with the side-benefit of a much-needed vacation. The last few months had been …
Is Christ divided?
One Sunday morning some years ago, I leaned against the back of a church pew, and with tears in my eyes confided to a friend. This woman is a sincere Christian, even though she's not a member of our congregation. She tries to dress like us, and faithfully comes to church. Yet she's not allowed …
For Women Who Sacrifice For Their Husband’s Calling
For as long as I can remember, my dad has flown all over the nation with a very full teaching schedule. He loves public speaking, and thrives on the personal interactions along the way. Nothing makes him as expansive and happy as giving a well-done lecture, and meeting lots of people in the process. Mom, …
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For Christian Women Whose Husbands Work Too Much
Few things hurt my heart as much as hearing these statements from sad housewives: "I feel like a widow." "I'm practically raising my children myself, and I am so lonely." "My husband works long hours. When he is home, he is busy with his hobbies and things and doesn't have time for the family." The …
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My upside-down Sunday
My ideal Sunday goes something like this: Go to church. Eat a simple lunch with the family. Take a nap. Write (with no distractions) for an hour or two. Eat popcorn, talk with Will, and play with the kids. Clean up the house and go to bed at a decent hour. I like a day …
My Love Story
“I don't like squishy food,” I said, over my first meal in the dining room at Calvary Bible School. “When I was a little girl, I once sat at the table for over two hours refusing to eat my soup. The soup had horrible slimy lumps in it that made me feel like choking.” Will, …
arabah rejoice 