My hands gripped the steering wheel, as the initial shock of the impact subsided. I watched a small crowd of curious bystanders gather on the sidewalk and heard a faint hissing sound from somewhere underneath my car. I was in a foreign country and had just been T-boned. I’d maneuvered down this narrow lane hundreds of times. In …
The Throne Room
I stood at the edge of the room, overwhelmed with the grandeur. I’d received the invitation, but couldn’t believe I should have. As my eyes scanned the magnificent room, it was obvious that royalty presided here. Lofty arches, splendid tapestries, and fresco paintings lined the walls. Gilded sconces bordered the edges, reflecting light from the carefully placed mirrors …
Lost in Transportation
I’ve lost things before. My keys, my rings, my purse. Once there was a span of fifteen minutes when I misplaced my preschoolers. It turns out they were hiding from me, with a stash of matches and some scratch paper, so maybe that one doesn’t count. Losing the car was my fault, especially since I was the one …
A Life-Changing Text
Dear Friend, Seems that each time we talk, anxieties rise to the surface of our conversations. Have you noticed? So, as I’ve prayed for the both of us, Matthew 6:31-33 has returned to speak to my heart. “Do not be anxious….But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Herein lies …
Discouraged and Dispirited
Dear Mentor, I am so discouraged. I have very little motivation in my life and feel that I am taken for granted. My daily tasks are menial and unappreciated, not at all the life I signed up for. Why has God left me in this barren place? …
Do You Feel Inadequate?
My precious child, Are you okay? Are you feeling like the least in My Kingdom? It’s okay. I knew this would come up. Thinking of you, I’ve already addressed this issue. “The one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he…” (Matthew 11:11). Remember who I was speaking of? John the Baptist. …
Revisiting Trouble’s Trouble
In the allegory of my pet calf, Trouble, it hit home how ridiculous it is to expect a cow to do humanly tasks. No matter how much Trouble might want to help, it would be “udderly” impossible for him to do so (sorry…I couldn’t resist). The Trouble illustration has been good for me because it has revealed how …
Who’s Driving Here?
Thousands of parents, including Mark and I, have taught their children to drive. Our oldest daughter had to wait until she came home for college to begin the learning process, because Taiwan drivers aren’t eligible for a license until age 18. Talk about a crash course. Thankfully, her one accident didn’t injure much – just the garage. But over the …
Piloting Your Soul
Have you ever taken a cruise? They are built with busyness in mind. Whether it’s the game rooms or the library; the water park or the banquet hall; every location is buzzing with activity. Even the passengers are resting, the staff of a luxury liner is making preparation. Your soul is like a large ship with a …
Yeast and the Kingdom
“I’ll make the Sopapillas!” As newlyweds, Mark and I attended a church that was having a Mexican dinner to raise funds for youth camp. I had made these fried puffed tortillas several times before and figured it would be an easy way to help. After all, they only had six ingredients, and that was if you counted the …