Recently I was thinking about how I have all these fun traditions leading up to Christmas, but nothing really special for the kids leading up to Easter. So I decided to start an Easter countdown as a fun way to look forward to celebrating as well as remember why we celebrate. I'm hoping this is … Continue reading The Colors of Easter – A Countdown for Kids
Moments to Treasure
They stand, side by side, at the easel. Footy pajamas, chalk grasped in little hands, colorful scribbles on the board. I peek at them from the kitchen, smiling silently, not wanting to disrupt the sweet sister moment. Eventually I creep in for a quick picture, then sneak back out and leave them to their art. … Continue reading Moments to Treasure
Is He Enough?
Last fall, not long before Hope was born, I lay in bed staring at the full moon outside. I don't remember what was keeping me up, probably some worry over the baby girl with the mixed up heart growing inside me, but I remember a thought suddenly coming to mind. A question really. One that … Continue reading Is He Enough?
Even If
Recently I found the classic VeggieTales movie Rack, Shack and Benny to watch with Natalie for the first time. While I nostalgically sang along with tunes I hadn't heard in years, Natalie anxiously half-covered her eyes with her hands. "I don't want to see the fire," she pleaded. She has learned the real story of … Continue reading Even If
Choose Life
A year ago today we sat in the ultrasound room as a doctor presented us with a choice. Since then I've felt, many times, that I should share this piece of our story, but something always held me back. Even now I'm anxious remembering those moments and considering how to piece together what I want … Continue reading Choose Life
He Knows Me
I thought I knew God. I grew up learning about Him at home, at church, at camps, and through my own study and prayer. I attended a Christian college and was just a handful of credits short of a minor in religion thanks to all the Bible courses I took as electives. I knew my … Continue reading He Knows Me
Is it a Wonderful Life?
When it comes to Christmas movies, Steve loves It's a Wonderful Life. Me? I prefer my childhood favorites... Charlie Brown, Rudolph, The Grinch. And a dose of feel-good Hallmark movies too. Watching It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve became a tradition for us when we got married, though that tradition has fallen off a … Continue reading Is it a Wonderful Life?
Our Hope
Our little daughter, Hope Joanna, was born on November 16 at 4:13 am. She weighed 7 lbs 2 oz and was 19.29 inches long. Hearing her cry when she arrived was such a wonderful sound and seeing her beautiful little face brought such joy. After birth Hope was doing better than expected and I am … Continue reading Our Hope
Ready or Not…
November has arrived... due date month. It's strange, if you walked into our house today you'd never guess that we're only a week and a half away from our official due date. It doesn't look much like we're preparing for a baby. The infant car seat is still stashed away in the laundry room closet; … Continue reading Ready or Not…
The Struggle with Surrender
I stood on the wooden deck looking out over the glassy surface of a now still lake. In the days prior waves had rolled across the surface but this morning it was quiet and calm. Thick icicles lined the docks and the cold air tempted me to hurry back inside, but I stayed put, focused … Continue reading The Struggle with Surrender
Come Sojourn 