Who here hasn’t walked a season in survival mode? A season where the days are long, our hearts are heavy and our souls weary. A season where life doesn’t stop for our grieving and our worry. Yet who among us does not desire a life living fully in our identity as a...
Last night I found myself in a hip-hop class. As I shimmied and shook my way through class, I wondered if this was worth it, and as I looked over at the girl next to me for inspiration, I thought how surely it was. Worth the sacrifice Awhile back, this daughter had...
It’s dinnertime in my house and I’m wondering what my kids are cooking. When our older four children left home for work and college, family dynamic changed. I began to work a bit more. We said yes to more activities which meant that those left at home needed to share...
I live a love story every day, but it is not a fairy tale. It is rather one I hold with abundant gratitude and protect fiercely. People often remark how unusual it is to be this in love after 27 years of marriage. Our children roll their eyes in mock uncomfortableness...
If there were an exhibit at the museum of my life, perhaps it would include a series of coats. Being as I currently own only two coats and neither of them fit well, perhaps more description is needed. I recently had the privilege of sitting in as my college children...
I want my mommy.” I whisper into my husband’s shoulder. His shirt gathered into my fists as I hold onto him with such emotion and exhaustion. I crave guidance, a woman’s knowledge of how to persevere as the journey gets harder. There are so many changes in life...
I am in a season of going back to the basics of my faith in many ways and in doing so I am reminding myself to teach them to my younger kids. With four young adult children and four younger children, it’s easy to lose track of what has been taught to whom and when....
You’re such a good mom, they say with admiration. Teach me, their eyes say. Share your wisdom or your secret strategy to raising such great kids. I take a breath, smile, and thank them, telling them that truly any goodness they see must come from the Lord. Though true...
I share many check-in phone calls with my elderly father and his typical sendoff is, “Keep the faith, MaryB.” I smile as I recall this because it is summer, and as we plan family vacation time, the phrase “keep the faith” came to mind. Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Jesus....
Have you ever had a moment where you pause and sit in wonder at what is transpiring? Those moments where you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit so acutely. Or perhaps a moment shared with another where your heart is elevated to rejoicing at just being in each...
