Sometimes life is just plain hard. Sometimes our Goliath is so big and scary that we can't fathom entering into the battle of hard let alone winning the battle. Yet these are the times, in the squeezing of the last bit of strength that God enters into the picture. He may not provide a way of escape. He may not clear the path and free us from the battle. And He may not slay our Goliath, which is what we so desperately long for Him to do. But if we can step back from the battle for just a bit, we will see that we are not alone. There is always another facing the same monstrous giant on different battlefields, and often God chooses to intersect the paths of weary warriors. We'll realize there is so much to be gained in the forging of our battles - TOGETHER. "As iron sharpens iron, Continue Reading
5 Ways to Parent a Child in Their Bent
I don't consider myself an expert on raising children, but I am passionate about parenting! In this monumental task of parenting, we've all learned some things along the way. And to not share is to fail to encourage where we can. So I hope you'll view this series as just that - an encouragement for how to keep hope alive throughout the many facets of parenting. I remember frequently being in awe of how different each of my children were from one another. How personalities and interests could be so diverse left me curious and constantly learning in the midst of wanting so much for these three souls. And now so many years later, as I graduate my second from university, I'm reminded of how glorious different and unique really is. A History Professor who lives in China, a Continue Reading
Parenting Children in Who God Created Them to Be
Parenting isn't easy! The answers are rarely clear and the task of soul shaping doesn't include a step by step manual anyone can follow. It's rigorous and tiring and daunting. And it takes unimaginable courage and sacrifice over a lifetime. But it's also the adventure of a lifetime. One that sends our adrenaline shooting with each accomplishment and our tears flowing with every cute and contagious heart tug. We watch the life entrusted to our care. The wonder of every breath. And we hope... they will grow in character and strength they'll develop compassion and kindness their hearts will be honest and generous and good We hope our children will become all we imagine... and more than we can possibly imagine. Their dreams become our dreams, and we become the keeper Continue Reading
When You Feel Like an Imposter
Imposter! The label rang loud and clear through my brain, and in its heels, what quickly followed were declarations that sent my spirit spiraling. I shouldn’t be here. I’m not qualified. I don’t deserve this. They are going to find me out. It’s going to all go south. I’m an imposter! For several months, the sabotaging missiles bombarded my thoughts and emotions faster than the saner side of my mind could process. Have you ever felt like an imposter? Many of us have at one time or another. And the thoughts that contribute are very real and equally destructive. Join me over at Searching for Moments where I share my story of battling self-imposed labels and breaking free to realize the joy of being chosen and worthy! Because we can all stand tall Continue Reading