When we moved to Erie eight years ago and I decided to homeschool for the first time, I thought I knew what I was doing. I thought I understood the benefits. I was wrong on both accounts. It didn’t take long before I realized what I thought would come naturally to me was actually quite… Continue reading Our Homeschooling Story
“Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13) Often, I have turned this verse into a prayer, seeking the Lord on behalf of myself and others. It is a prayer for life. Of course, while Austin lived here with us,… Continue reading The Land of the Living
(Photo taken June 12, 2020 from our boat on Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pa.) All my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good . . . I love Your voice You have led me through the fire And in darkest night You are close like… Continue reading The Gentleness of God
I came across this blurry photo recently and cried. I remember when it was taken. I remember what was happening in our lives and I cried because of what we went through and how much I miss Austin now. On April 1 last year, it was as though someone hit pause on our lives.… Continue reading This Time Is Different
I have been angry at God. I have not wanted His will. And I have been wrestling with Him for many years now. Through unexplained illness and an unthinkable diagnosis, I fought the Lord. In the prodding of too many needles, bad test results and needless suffering, I have questioned Him. I have wondered where… Continue reading Wrestling with God and Grief
Sunday morning, I weaved my way through the crowd and found my seat up front. Late as always, worship was already in full swing. The words of the second congregational song filled my ears . . . Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out… Continue reading Caught in the Middle
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV In Christian circles, this verse gets thrown around a lot – especially when something bad happens and we don’t understand why. It feels like anytime a Christian asks… Continue reading Not What You Expected
“For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:11 ESV I recently watched a movie where the hero’s family is trapped inside a burning skyscraper. In one scene, amongst the flames and burning… Continue reading Brave Enough to be Broken
I shared this on my Facebook page this morning, but it just felt too good not to share here. For me, because I want to remember this day and these truths. And for others, because my heart feels like I might explode if I don’t tell as many people as I can. So they might… Continue reading Greater Than the Fire
“And the word of the LORD will be to them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little, that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.” Isaiah 28:13 Where did I go wrong, Lord? Wasn’t it Your voice… Continue reading He Wants My Heart More Than My Hands
