Many of us have a vision for what we want our life to look like. We have a plan. Goals. And dreams. But then something happens.   Something we weren’t expecting. Something that doesn’t feel good. Something that makes us look around and wonder, “What am I supposed to do now?”  This is how I felt when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and faced a future of limitations.   At first, I groaned and complained. I was angry and depressed. I mourned the fact that I could not go on a hike with my family. And I became frustrated when a short walk around the block left me breathless and…

My son’s last high school cross-country race was going to be at the State meet.   It was his goal all season long to make it, so he was exhilarated to be going there.  He had prepared for months for this moment. Done everything he was supposed to do.    He put in the long, grueling hours of hard work and training. Got enough sleep. Drank enough water. Carb loaded the day before. Had protein the day of.     He was totally focused on giving it his all and doing his best.   He lined up at the starting line, envisioning how everything would go.      The countdown began. The starting shot rang out. He…

A lot of people talk about wanting to find happiness. But happiness is surface level. It is conditional. And temporary.   A better thing to seek is joy.   Joy is deep. It’s not based on our circumstances. And it lasts.   Living with a chronic illness that affects my everyday life, means I sometimes struggle to find joy. But because of Jesus, I am learning we can hold onto both sorrow and joy at the same time.   I can feel sorrow over my disabilities and the way my health affects me. But I can also choose to feel joy over the good things in my life, my relationship with Jesus, and all…

When you ask someone how they are doing what is the answer they usually give?  “BUSY”. Right? I like to say, “Good but busy.”   You know, put a little positive spin on it.   As a society, we seem to be getting busier and busier . . .   While at the same time becoming more stressed, anxious, and depressed than ever.   But God wants something better for us. Which is why He calls us to ABIDE. What does it mean to abide in God’s Presence? Abiding in God’s presence means we have to spend time WITH Him.   Perhaps the reason why we feel so stressed out is because we aren’t doing…

The doctor took a deep breath and said five little words that would change my life forever.   “It is a chronic condition.”  Now, to be completely honest the reality of those words didn’t really sink in during that moment. I was too happy about finally knowing what was wrong with me.   But after many years, those words now mock me with their permanence. Because this illness is going to last for the rest of my life. While the enemy would love to use my suffering to bring me down. To keep me trapped in a place where I can’t stop the tears and am overwhelmed by my fears . . .  …

Have you ever wondered how we can hear God speak? I’ve often read stories in the Old Testament and have been a little bit jealous that God spoke audibly to people like Moses and Elijah. I feel like it would be so much easier if I could hear God just as easily as I can hear my husband or my kids. Wouldn’t you agree? And yet the truth I am discovering is that God is always speaking to us. It’s just that I’m often too busy to listen. Or too distracted to pay attention. But as I slow down and spend time with Him, I’m finding it becomes a lot…

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Many of us have memorized or at least heard of Jeremiah 29:11. This verse can often be found on Facebook memes, plaques, decorations, coffee mugs, and much more.  Do you know what verse we never see on any of those things?   Jeremiah 29:10.  This verse comes right before Jeremiah 29:11 and it reads:  “You will be in Babylon for seventy years.”   Wait. What????  The Pain of Waiting on God The pain of waiting on God can be seen in this passage.  …

In a survey of over 1600 Christians, the number one reason people cited for not sharing their faith was due to fear.   Many of us are scared to talk to people we don’t know.   We fear saying the wrong thing. We worry we won’t be able to answer their questions. Or that we will just end up looking like fools.   We’re afraid of how people will respond.   Will they lash out at us? Make fun of us? Or decide they no longer want to associate with us?   Sharing our faith can also be scary simply because of the culture we live in. It’s nerve-wracking to engage with people who are…

When I first received my chronic illness diagnosis, I felt both comforted and devastated.   On the one hand, I was relieved to finally have answers for why I was feeling so awful all the time. But on the other hand, I was frustrated because this condition was chronic.  Which meant it would never go away.    I was going to have to adjust to a life with limited mobility. To accept a new normal. And I did not like it.   Have you ever been there?   In a place where you realize life is never going to be the same?   How do we trust in God’s plan during moments like this? When…

When dealing with health issues, it can be so easy to focus just on our physical health.   Managing the symptoms. Taking our medications. Getting to our doctor and therapy appointments. And all the other things that living with health issues requires of us.  And while it is important to take care of our physical health . . . we are not just physical beings.   We also need to take care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and most importantly . . . spiritually.  What is spiritual health and why is it important? Spiritual health care is all about taking the time to focus on your soul.   It’s about making it a priority…