Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NIV) I grew up thinking that peacemakers were rare, sentient beings. I envisioned Mother Teresa at the highest level, living a life of poverty to care for the world’s most needy. I thought of women like my grandmother, who smiled and…
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV). I love to watch Hallmark Christmas movies. They’re cheesy, sappy, and unrealistic; they all have unbelievable premises; and the plots are all similar. All problems, even…
I am exhausted from the weight of the world’s expectations, and from the effort of standing up under them. From stamping down the constant noise, the clamoring, the consistent hum of anxiety vibrating through my very soul on a daily basis. It’s so much. It’s too much. It’s pervasive. And some days, I feel physically…
May is my favorite month. I gaze out the kitchen window at the brilliant pink crabapple trees standing over blushing tulips. Lilacs come into the house in bunches. Bikes come out for long rides, during which we smell morning rain over the forest preserve prairie. Sound carefree? Don’t let it fool you. This kind of…
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:8 CSB) My children are digital-age natives. Most likely, they will never know life without the massive amount…
“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” ~Lamentations 3:21–23 NIV Last year was particularly difficult. My family received a multitude of blessings, most definitely, but we also experienced…