Prayer - Joy to the Soul

13 Jun

My Story: Why Not Having Hope Is Not An Option

Joy

30 Comments

I’m saddened by the recent deaths of Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain and a host of precious, but less famous, souls who took their own lives. Their reasons lie in silence or perhaps in the last words in a note left to their loved ones. But I do know their struggle....

30 May

5 Ways to Respond to a Friend in Need

Joy

8 Comments

Growing A Friendship Series, Relationships

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” I’m gaining new appreciation for this old adage. “Need” wrote its name across my heart weeks ago and my friends rose to the occasion. I wasn’t surprised. They are an amazing group of wise, compassionate and praying women. Each one responded based...

24 May

When Hurt Is Deep, Hope Rises

Joy

12 Comments

Hope for the Heart Series, In Difficult Times, Uncategorized

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” – John 11:21-23 NLT Saying these three words, “But I know” became...

18 Apr

Where Did You Leave Your Last Prayer?

Joy

12 Comments

Prayer Life

A few weeks ago, my prayer devotional began with this question: Of the things I strive to accomplish, what should I leave in God’s hands? My knee-jerk reaction said, “Everything.” Simple tasks, desperate cries and seemingly impossible dreams each fit snugly in His care. Then with a deeper reflection I...

15 Nov

Waiting for God to Give the Green Light?

Joy

8 Comments

A Season of Waiting

Last summer, as Brady and I sat at a traffic light in Wilmington, NC nothing seemed unusual. I talked. He listened intently waiting for me to breathe. Then the light changed. As we made a left turn something took my breath away. We turned onto Grace Street. Going forward would...

25 Oct

A Loss That Leads Me On

Joy

0 Comment

Lessons I've Learned (so far) Series

Loss can feel like a closed door to what could be or what used to be. Each time may feel slightly different, but each time it breaks my heart. Yet, loss is a part of life. I need to remember that. Maybe you do too. Because loss has another dimension. It’s...

28 Jun

Broken In All The Right Places

Joy

6 Comments

Uncategorized

A heat wave, a piñata and a losing streak have one thing in common: They are better when they’re broken. But when broken touches my life, better may take a while. The disruption displaces what was. What was lost feels irreplaceable. Circumstances begin to look unwinnable. From personal trauma to...

06 Jun

3 Lessons from A Firefighter’s Daughter

Joy

4 Comments