Refreshing Faith
“Why did this happen?” My nine-year-old son’s question echoed my thoughts as he snuggled next to me in our oversized arm chair.
His teacher had crushed his world that day. I later learned many students struggled under the new teacher. But my son was the first casualty—at least that I knew about.
I held Brant and silently asked God for help. His gentle whisper resonated. “I’m for Brant.”Continue Reading
“For whom or what are you willing to die?” A presenter posed that question as a tool to help us identify our calling and purpose in life. Two days later I received an email from Intercessors for America with a plea for prayer from Ukraine that included this line.
Everyone who can hold a weapon has risen to defend the capital, including students, school children, and even the retired.”
As the tension in Ukraine built, faces I came to love decades ago during the three weeks Larry and I spent in communist Poland played across my mind like an old TV program. I remembered their kindness, singing, and generosity.Continue Reading
Have you ever noticed how some wisdom is gained only through pain? The Psalmist wrote, “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees” (Ps. 119:71 NLT). A recent struggle concerning our puppy reminded me of this as my spiritual eyes opened in fresh ways. It helped me better appreciate an event surrounding Easter week and the Lamb of God.
Our female poodle’s health plummeted one weekend after months of care and prayer. She was gone before noon on Monday. Each person and pet draw out different aspects of our personalities. Cosette’s joy over simple activities made every day a party. We not only missed her, we missed who we were in her presence.
Each person and pet draw out different aspects of our personalities. Cosette’s joy over simple activities made every day a party. We not only missed her, we missed who we were in her presence. #grief, #loss Click To TweetOur male dog grieved too. A week after losing his girl, Max fought for his life while connected to IVs. His grief had thrown his body into an Addison’s crisis. He pulled through but seemed 10 years older.
That Friday, Raleigh received an unexpected snow. My husband Larry came home early. “We need a different spirit in this house. Let’s look at puppies.”Continue Reading