2022)

If it’s not right, it’s not right. What I really mean is, if it’s not perfect, it’s not right. That’s the kind of person I have been all my life. I think it started with just people pleasing—I wanted to do right, be right, perform right, so that others would like me, compliment me, praise … Continue reading Sentiments of Other People-Pleasing Perfectionists (9/13/2022)

Am I Unwanted? (9/2/22)

Am I undesirable? Is there something wrong with me? Why doesn’t anyone want to be my friend? A wounded heart whispers behind shameful eyelids, wondering, wandering inside a pain-drained homebody built on the sand of confusion. It’s a lonely home where we all dwell at some point, sunk into emotions that rally the hurt, the … Continue reading Am I Unwanted? (9/2/22)

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)

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)

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)

When It’s Time (27/40)

Do you have a dream? From the time we’re children, most of us have dreams of the future—what we will do as a profession, who we will marry, how many children we’ll have of our own—things of that nature. Then, there are those “other” dreams, the ones we may have talked about as young adults, … Continue reading When It’s Time (27/40)

“Enslaved to Our Stuff” Part 2 (25/40)

Last week I wrote about God’s re-question to me, “Am I enslaved to my stuff?” This week I am coming to realize that I’m not. Not enslaved to my stuff, that is, but I am enslaved to something: Time. This is a very difficult realization for me, but a true one. Time has been a … Continue reading “Enslaved to Our Stuff” Part 2 (25/40)