Love Makes Room
As a foster parent I hear often comments like, “I could never do what you’re doing. I could never give them back.” I always smile, thank the person, and usually say something like, “I can’t either, but God can if you’re willing to say yes.” When Rex and I decided to start down this foster/adoption journey we had no clue what our yes would entail, we were just trying to be obedient and faithful to where we felt God calling us. We’re not amazing parents. Trust us, just ask our kids or our parents. 😉 Honestly, we had no [...]
Crafting a Quilt
Created to craft! That was one of the themes of a craft retreat I attended a few months ago. This weekend got me excited because I like to craft occasionally, I was undeterred by the fact that I am not crafty, creative, or precise. However, I do not like to follow the rules or instructions and usually get too impatient to finish any project. I, also, like to collect all the fun and flashy supplies, but soon become irritated that my project does not meet my expectations with my unpolished skills or in the time constraints I think it [...]
Kids Have Taken Over Kids’ Church!
On Sunday mornings, our Kindergarten through Second Grade kids enjoy an awesome Kids’ Church in the gym each week. It is a great time for them to run and get the energy out after having a great Sunday School lesson. After running those wigglies out, it’s time to pick up the gym and get ready for our Kids’ Church worship time! That’s when it happens! It can be the weirdest thing to those that are not accustomed to being in the gym. As I reach for the microphone and announce that it is time to begin our lesson, an [...]
Smoke Between the Trees
On the 28th of February, an unusually warm day for that time of year, I drove past countless rows of pines in search for my old camping spot. Some years ago, I had decided that to understand my path forward, I must venture out into the wilderness and get alone. So, I began taking solo camping trips each year to clear my head. I would read a book, walk through nature, sit by the fire, think, and even pray. In the morning I would sit by a lake or someplace peaceful and write out everything I had accomplished in [...]
The Fountain and the Flame: Chapter Eight
Illustration Credit: Depositphotos.com, James R. Hannibal; composed for the Lightraiders Adventure Bible System. A READER-DIRECTED STORY The Creator of All Things has opened a window to another world—a portal. We can’t step through this portal, but we may reach through with our minds. The Creator has invited us to act as watchkeepers over Kaia and the friends she will meet along a dangerous path that lies ahead. The watchkeepers must work together to help Kaia make good choices. These choices will not always be easy, and Kaia may not always do as we ask, for she is strong-willed. Will [...]
The Call to Foster
My husband and I have always dreamed and talked about adoption, but could never agree on how – domestic, from foster care, international. Fostering was not something on my radar. Adoption seemed difficult enough but loving and giving back seemed impossible. I think God laughs at us when we think things are impossible. All the questions – how do we deal with the trauma? What about the safety of our biological kids? What happens if they return home? How do we deal with the grief? So, through life circumstances – having babies, job changes, etc. – we never felt [...]
The Fountain and the Flame: Chapter Seven
Illustration Credit: Dean Zachary, Forest Giant, designed for the Lightraiders Adventure Bible System. A READER-DIRECTED STORY The Creator of All Things has opened a window to another world—a portal. We can’t step through this portal, but we may reach through with our minds. The Creator has invited us to act as watchkeepers over Kaia and the friends she will meet along a dangerous path that lies ahead. The watchkeepers must work together to help Kaia make good choices. These choices will not always be easy, and Kaia may not always do as we ask, for she is strong-willed. Will [...]
Unexpected Places
Technology can be a wonderful thing. While it can move us very quickly into the future, I have found it can also take us back in time. I love when Facebook memories pop up. These reminders are a wonderful souvenir of things of the past, places I have visited, pictures of people I love, and events that have been a part of my life. I love the reminder of each one of these brings. I was recently reminded that I have officially lived in Kingwood for 5 years this month. Facebook does not need to send me a refresher [...]
The Bench
Taking an evening stroll with my wife is one of my favorite past-times. It’s a moment to connect as a couple, to talk about our day, to talk about our dreams and get out of our concrete world and into nature. When we walk, we pass through neighborhoods lined with trees, shaded woods, fields with tall grass, and little parks equipped with children at play. I notice that all the parks come with benches. The children run and play, but the parents or grandparents sit on the benches, watching their kids. The bench is a place of rest and [...]
Love Deeply, Hold Loosely
I love control, plans, structure and knowing what is coming next. Don’t judge me, but I often read the end of a book before I finish the book. I know that wanting control doesn’t usually end well and I am no exception to that rule. However, I am learning to loosen the reigns a bit (only a little, let’s not get carried away). I wish I could say this has been an easy process, but #life. Corrie Ten Boom said it best when she said, “Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers [...]