As a little girl I imagined marrying an business man, much like my father. As a college student I was sure I’d marry a man doing full-time Christian ministry or a missionary. Instead, I married a mechanic. Even more to my surprise, my husband’s profession has become a part of my own identity, just as much as my own job has.
Tag Archives: challenges
Are You Pregnant?
It was one of those pieces of news that’s like a punch in the gut…and it felt wrong to be feeling that way. I opened the envelope from my friend to discover she and her husband were expecting their second child. I cried off and on all day. My husband came home from work, IContinue reading “Are You Pregnant?”
When the Future Seems Unclear
Many people who know him do not know that my husband, Andrew, is a very talented musician. In 2007 he graduated with a degree in music education. Though piano is his primary instrument, he picked up the clarinet in college and considered pursuing a master’s degree in clarinet performance. Then one day he walked intoContinue reading “When the Future Seems Unclear”
Why Waiting on God is Better than Doing it Ourselves
Our lives are full of decisions. As a follower of Christ, I’ve learned to make decisions based on where God calls me rather than what satisfies me for the moment. Over the years I’ve learned a lot about God’s plan for my life and it hasn’t turned out much like I thought it would. IContinue reading “Why Waiting on God is Better than Doing it Ourselves”
If Anything Can Go Well, Will It?
Is the power of positive thinking enough to overcome circumstances? This is a question I’ve been pondering over the past several months as I drive around Orlando, Florida. The reason I’ve been pondering this question so deeply is that I keep seeing this bumper sticker–if you live in Orlando, you’ve likely seen it too– “IfContinue reading “If Anything Can Go Well, Will It?”
Desert Wilderness
Is it ok for a Christian to sit in a spiritual desert? That time in a believer’s life when one feels distant from God no matter how hard he seeks him, the spiritual desert, is a term that’s often thrown around but not often addressed. It doesn’t feel good to be there but is itContinue reading “Desert Wilderness”
Confession
Confession. I have intimately conversed with suicidal thoughts on multiple occasions. If you have read my previous posts discussing my struggle with depression or had any kind of deep conversation with me, this may not come as a shock to you. I tell you in light of Isaac Hunter’s death to explain that it isContinue reading “Confession”
Conflicted
Dear Friends of Summit Church, In the past year we’ve been through a lot. We’ve watched our lead pastor, Isaac Hunter, leave the church after committing adultery. We’ve cried out in horror when the media had a hay-day with his sin, putting not only him but also his wife, children, parents, and us in aContinue reading “Conflicted”
Disappointment
I’ve recently faced a disappointment which led to what seems to be a dead-end that presents itself as another disappointment. The obvious question running through my mind is “now what?” Without really directing it to God, He responds, “wait.” So, here’s how the conversation goes: Me: Now what? God: Wait. Me: I wasn’t talking toContinue reading “Disappointment”
Black and White
Change has become the new normal for my life. I always thought that I was pretty good at change but that was when my life had a fluid consistency, like the comfort of a classic black and white feel good movie, so adding a little splash of color and adventure now and again was welcomed. Continue reading “Black and White”
My Plans over 30 Years of Life
Today I turn thirty years old. About a month ago, when it dawned on me that I was really going to be 3-0 years, I started to freak out. I was both excited and afraid. I began asking myself what I’d done with my life, reflecting on my current reality compared to my plans andContinue reading “My Plans over 30 Years of Life”
When God takes Second
Who is your God? Mine can be so hard to define sometimes, and yet I live a life that would suggest the answer to be simple. Daily I read the Bible where over and over and over again it says, God is the only God and there should be no other. However, I live inContinue reading “When God takes Second”
The Lord of My Ring
I fell off a dock when I was about 8 or 9. It seemed like it was about ten feet to the water below and I was scared, so I grabbed the edge of the dock and hung on as though my life depended on it. It really wasn’t that far down and I wasContinue reading “The Lord of My Ring”
The “Sensitive” One: My Lifelong Journey of Depression
I have always been accused of being, “sensitive.” It’s a labeled I’ve carried well just because it was how I was labeled. It’s a label I’ve denied, trying to overcome in my own power. It’s a label I’ve searched deep and high and far and wide for reasons and meaning. Up and down my wholeContinue reading “The “Sensitive” One: My Lifelong Journey of Depression”
Unknown
The first day of the year is just a day. It’s also a reason to look back and contemplate the year’s past and to have renewed hope for the year to come. January first, 2012 had especially high hopes for me as I had been married all of two days. Having my husband by myContinue reading “Unknown”