“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Col. 4:2 ESV). February 2020 found me anxious and depleted. In addition to the usual Midwestern winter doldrums, our family was in a difficult season. Our homeschooling year wasn’t going well. We were contemplating a change in my husband’s job and possible relocation. We began the final…
I did it again. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t, but there I was, compulsively scrolling through the news feed on my phone. As I read each article, I alternated between anxiety and outrage. This year, we’ve had no shortage of outrageous, anxiety-producing events. A pandemic. Violence. Hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. I haven’t personally…
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18 NIV) These verses have taken on a whole new meaning in light of our country’s experiences over the past year. We’ve experienced a global pandemic, which has been especially bad in the United…
I wet the washcloth with cold water, wrung it out, and wiped my granddaughter’s blistering hot forehead, praying all the while. A raging fever, throbbing headache, and sore throat – none of these were in our slumber party plans. We had capped off a game-playing movie-watching popcorn-snacking evening with a little pampering at our homemade…
“For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened.” (Romans 1:21 CSB) God, please show me what’s next. I can’t keep doing this! I whispered discontent into the pages of my prayer journal. My daily routines had me…
Do you ever wish you were less attached to your phone? That you could set it down and walk away? It’s something I strive for, but most of the time I fail miserably. Until the inevitable happened last month. As I went to take a picture on my phone, I received the dreaded message that…