When a Dream Dies (39/40)

On the morning I turned 30, I got up like any other Saturday morning where we lived in Peru, and I made my way to the church where I taught my English class. Hard work, but I loved it. My students were eager to learn, and I was happy to teach them every week. Alongside … Continue reading When a Dream Dies (39/40)

The Response to Life-Joy (38/40)

Every night at the dinner table, my family members will go around and say three things we’re thankful for. As you can imagine, my children ranging in ages from three to eight say the darnedest things. My three-year-old son Esaias whose speech is really just emerging the last three months can still get out the … Continue reading The Response to Life-Joy (38/40)

Life-Joy (37/40)

“Blessed” is a word that is used loosely at times, where the understanding of one being such is not fully understood. There are so many connotations to that word that it’s quite hard to capture its full meaning. Most people would say that I am blessed because I have a great husband with a fantastic … Continue reading Life-Joy (37/40)

Restoration Equals Hope (36/40)

In my life God seems to be telling a story at every turn. I like telling His stories; it’s why I write. His stories bring Him glory, and even in the tiniest way, they exemplify His sovereignty over all things. In Peru, God has been writing a story since the beginning of time. We just … Continue reading Restoration Equals Hope (36/40)

Alive Again, Part 3 (35/40)

That Sunday happened to be Mother’s Day, and it was difficult not having Alex home with me and the kids. I knew he was right where he needed to be, however. I just wasn’t expecting the phone call I received from him Sunday night. Alex was told that Dad’s heart had stopped beating, but they … Continue reading Alive Again, Part 3 (35/40)

Alive Again, Part 2 (34/40)

In January 2015, the husband of a friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis for this man who was in great health came so suddenly and shockingly to everyone, but even more appalling was that it took his life just two months later. No hope was ever offered, except that of a miracle. But … Continue reading Alive Again, Part 2 (34/40)

Alive Again, Part 1 (33/40)

Writing has the power to immortalize a person in a fascinating way, I have learned. I’ve been reading my aunt’s book, Starting with Goodbye: A Daughter’s Memoir of Love after Loss, over the last few weeks, savoring every minute. The book is about my grandfather, my aunt’s father, about their relationship before and after his … Continue reading Alive Again, Part 1 (33/40)

Celebrating Open Doors (32/40)

Today I am celebrating. Celebrating today, celebrating my breath, celebrating my family, and most of all, celebrating God’s loving faithfulness toward us all. This morning I hit a major milestone in my physical journey which spills over into my mental and spiritual journey as well. A year ago July 1st I weighed in and began … Continue reading Celebrating Open Doors (32/40)

From Survive To Thrive: The Art of Intentionality (31/40)

Years ago in between pregnancies when I was attempting to regain my physical stamina, I put up a picture in front of my treadmill that I could focus on for inspiration. It was a picture of me from my bachelorette party climbing a rock wall at Dick’s Sporting Goods. It was a day I remember … Continue reading From Survive To Thrive: The Art of Intentionality (31/40)

The Day My Husband Didn’t Die, Part 2 (30/40)

Almost exactly five years ago, I wrote a blog post whose title I’d never forget. “The Day My Husband Didn’t Die.” I can still remember exactly where I was, how I felt, what I was doing just before I wrote it. And how the Fear had gripped me. The Fear that my husband would die … Continue reading The Day My Husband Didn’t Die, Part 2 (30/40)