Standing during worship, breathing out the words of Kristene DiMarco’s song “He’s in the Waiting” as a prayer of peace for my soul, I caught myself contemplating the past few years. I had recently left a position I loved to engage in a life I needed. Years of working a high-stress job had taken a…
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 ESV) Have you ever been in a season of waiting? I’m sure you have. We all have. My husband and I have been in a season of waiting for fourteen years. Our dream since we were married has been…
For much of the United States, the month of May is considered summertime. Here on the northern plains, though, May is a month caught between spring and summer. One day the sun shines warmly on my back as I plant small seeds in my freshly tilled garden in a tank top. The next day a…
“The Christmas Hymn” was first a poem by Christina Rossetti, titled “In the Bleak of Midwinter.” While the musical melody is haunting, the words she wrote are gripping. Here on the northern plains, winter is long and cold and, indeed, bleak. The poem indicates that the nativity is midwinter, but I can testify that it’s…
Our heavenly Father has too many amazing traits to list them all, but let me give you a few examples: faithful, holy, just, loving, trustworthy, sovereign, majestic. One thing God rarely is, though? Fast. He seldom moves quickly, and therefore he often gives us opportunities to develop the fruit of patience. I particularly like an…
With three children ages five and under, I’ve mandated a one-hour quiet time—also known as nap time —every day from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. That time is sacred. It’s my time. I don’t answer my phone. If somebody comes knocking at my door, I answer with a scowl and an angry whisper (as intimidating as…