hope
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Don’t Stop Believing
This week, we lost a good one. My brother-in-law, Jim, passed away after an eight-year battle with cancer. He fought a good fight. I don’t say this as a platitude. His perseverance led those of us who witnessed his wrestle to find new levels of strength and commitment within ourselves. His journey led many of Continue reading
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You think you know love
This past Sunday, my husband and I celebrated 24 years of marriage. That milestone often evokes congratulations and admiration. But considering that just 2 years ago we were teetering, this was more of a precious, grateful celebration. What could have been a slow crumble has, by God’s grace, become a resurrection story—one not of perfect Continue reading
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Goals, not gods
Have you ever watched someone you love struggle under the weight of ambition? It can be a challenging thing to parent. My daughter just wrapped up her second year of college. With her sights set on law school, she had to persevere and finish strong. As final exams closed in, the pressure to achieve began Continue reading
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Every day in every way
This weekend, our beloved chiweenie, Whiskey, went missing. When he was younger, he would squeeze through our fence and head to our neighbors—who spoil him like their own furbaby. He has also been known to weasel his way into our backhouse, to be snuggled by our renter. Our promiscuous pup seeks out love wherever he Continue reading
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The extraordinary gift of getting to take things for granted
On Sunday I bid my son bon voyage as he headed to Florida for his summer internship. It’s a great opportunity, and we are excited for him, but our one week of having him home felt too short. As he walked toward the airport terminal, I was overwhelmed with sadness. I found myself longing for Continue reading
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Prepping for the perfect trip
It’s that time of year when everyone starts asking, “Where are you going this summer?” We’re planning a week on Smith Lake in Alabama. We’ve rented a big house in hopes that family and friends will join us. We envision days spent on a pontoon boat, in the water, playing games, grilling out, and listening Continue reading
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A tale of two superheroes, a tale of two trees
I have an idea for a superhero movie. Here’s the plot: There are two characters who each have the potential to use their extraordinary abilities to protect others and uphold justice. With their superpowers, they can transcend the limitations of ordinary people, fight against evil and tyranny, and inspire hope. The catch is that they Continue reading
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The Giver
Who doesn’t love a good Easter egg hunt? My dad and stepmom have become family-famous for their epic production. They hide the eggs throughout the backyard. The grandkids search and pile found eggs into their baskets. Once all of the eggs have been found (or at least most have been found; just last month my Continue reading
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Staying Uber Present
We just returned from visiting our son on the East Coast. Despite the wet chilly weather, we enjoyed our trip immensely, seeing and spending time with our boy. I have heard it said that having a child is like having a piece of your heart live outside of your body. No truer words have been Continue reading
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It takes faith to have faith
Recently I felt a prompting to share this blog on my personal Facebook page. I was struck with some unexpected feelings. I am an all-in Jesus lover who wants to share the transformational power of what a relationship with him can do. I want to honor all that he has done in my life so Continue reading
grace given me 