Diary of a Wife

This photo is of Evan & I, almost four years ago, on our wedding day. 20-year-old babies. 

 

Marriage is a great and glorious mystery. It’s one of those “feel it in your bones” kind of things; a happening in life that changes every course forever, that alters our behavior, and can bring us into an even holier place with Christ. It’s not the thing in life. People don’t marry, and they still have that holier than holy place with Christ. It’s not an end-all. But for me, in this life, it has changed everything.

Continue reading “Diary of a Wife”

The Joy of Kindness

And so I insist–and God backs me up on this–that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd…that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well-instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything–and I do mean everything–connected with that old way of life has got to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life–a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
Ephesians 4:17,20-24

I read an interesting article last week written by a middle-aged woman, discussing her week of attempting out-of-her-way kindness. It started out rough, awkward, and not necessarily rewarding. A few days in, she realized that when she wanted to be kind to others intentionally, not just because it was right, she felt the joy that comes with it. Her acts became more selfless and took less thought. The kindness flowed out without much effort.Continue reading “The Joy of Kindness”

Nothing & Everything about Parenting

I like to know where I’m going. Like when I’m following directions, I know my next four turns before they arrive. Preparation. No surprises.

In other words, the exact opposite of parenting.

Last night I laid in bed planning out the next year for Asa. His bedding, clothes, haircut, things to buy. And then my mind went into overdrive, going over all the terrors of having three boys, another two-year old, more stuff to buy, potty training. Potty training. So much potty training.Continue reading “Nothing & Everything about Parenting”

The Whole Body

A few weeks ago, I wrote about something that I struggle with:  community. How it matters (here), returning to it (here), and the truth of it (here). The heart of the whole “thing” of community is something my stubbornness tries to fight daily. Maybe I should consider it pride, but whatever it is, it tries to fight against the purpose of community. It’s really about letting people love you.Continue reading “The Whole Body”

Surviving vs. Thriving

“You’ve just gotta do it. You don’t think about it, you just go.”

That’s the answer you’ll get from us when you ask about the business my husband runs. Contemplating that thought today, I realized that it’s really how we go about everything in our life.

Another boy, phew, congratulations! You’ll have your hands full!
A graphic design business! Wow! That’s great!
So, how are you? Is everything going okay? How are you doing this? 
Continue reading “Surviving vs. Thriving”

Experience the Breadth

My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit–not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength–that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
God can do anything, you know, far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:14-20, The MessageContinue reading “Experience the Breadth”

Sealed

I was weighted this morning in prayer as I thought about the abundance of unknown circumstances in our life. It is evident at the end of the day when I have pushed through the hours without depositing my weights and worries onto Jesus, and even more so when I have. You know what I mean? Not depositing them into a lengthy status or tweet or blog post. Thrusting them away from me into the arms of Jesus.Continue reading “Sealed”