Focus Matters: Choosing Light Over Darkness

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I once read a devotional by author and speaker Max Lucado in which he instructed his readers to pull out a piece of clean white paper. He then asked them to place a black dot somewhere on that paper.  Interestingly, even though there is an entire sheet of paper to look at, most people will zero in on that one dark speck.

Isn’t that so true of life in general? We can get so focused on the negatives – those dark spots in life – that we miss out on the blessings that may be all around us. Continue reading →

The Gift Of Doubt

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Over the past several weeks, I have been reading through the Gospel of John. It’s fascinating to me, how such a familiar book can still surprise me.  There is always something new to discover and reflect upon.

For instance, I have really enjoyed reacquainting myself with well-loved Bible verses and stories about Jesus’ life. But the thing that has really stood out to me, quite unexpectedly, is the prevalent theme of disbelief found within the gospel.

Over and over again, despite the incredible signs and wonders that Jesus performed, many people struggled to believe in Him. Continue reading →

Hope Anchors My Soul

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When I was a little girl I loved to go fishing with my older brother and my dad. Mom would pack a cooler of snacks, and send us on our way. Once at the lake, my Dad would make sure we had our life jackets strapped on tight and we would set off through the water, on the hunt for the perfect spot to catch loads of fish.

When we found an appealing location, we would cast out our lines and patiently sit and watch our neon bobbers go up and down in the water. I remember on more than one occasion, silently pleading with God to let me catch a sunny or perch… anything besides the dreaded weeds that often tangled my line. The funny part is I hated to eat fish, but they were sure fun to catch! Continue reading →

A Fatal Distraction

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My four-year-old son was silently struggling for his life near the edge of a swimming pool filled with people, and no one knew it… including me.

It happened so quickly.

I had just taken my little guy’s life jacket off so he could run into the house and go to the bathroom.

The pool party we were attending was starting to wind down and my mind was preoccupied with our after party plans. I wanted to call my husband to confirm our dinner arrangements. Just then, my son tugged at my arm. Continue reading →

Back In The Saddle Again

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When I was a young girl I absolutely LOVED horses. Okay, it was more of an obsession.

I had pictures plastered on my walls, read numerous books, and watched countless movies about these “noble steeds.” I don’t know how many plastic Breyer models that I accumulated over the years, but it was significant.

Sometimes, in the privacy of my room, I even imagined that I WAS a horse. It’s true! I would get down on all fours, pretend to munch hay, and would kick my legs backwards into the air, neighing loudly for effect. Continue reading →

Three Ways To Help Curb Our Compulsion to Compare

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It was mid-March in Minnesota and our State was given the unusual gift of a balmy 70 degree weekend. Keep in mind that the week before we had been fighting freezing temperatures, and only a few days would pass before we would see snow flakes fly again.

But for one glorious weekend, we Northerners basked in the wonder of the moment.

The streets and sidewalks were bustling with activity, filled with runners and bikers, parents pushing strollers, and dogs taking their owners for walks. The sound of adult laughter mixing with children’s playful shouts echoed through the neighborhood.

The sunlight beckoned and it seemed like EVERYONE was outside enjoying its warm embrace. Continue reading →

Dumpster Diving

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“I’m hungry!” My 3 ½ year-old son said repeatedly as we made our way down the stairs and into the cluttered kitchen below.  Still rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I mumbled a drowsy: “what do you want for breakfast?”

Much like the red laser beam from one of his favorite nerf guns, my son’s gaze zeroed in on his target:  a stash of candy that I had placed on top of the refrigerator.  I tend to keep “the really good stuff” up and out of reach.  But some of the kids lingering Valentine’s Day candy had recently been moved to the top of the refrigerator as well.  I had naively thought that it would be safe from grabby little fingers up there. Continue reading →

A Life Well Used

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My feet began to burn as I immersed them into the swirling water churning inside the salon’s pedicure sink.  I didn’t care.  I knew it would only smart for a moment and then I could finally sit back and relax.  With three energetic kiddos, 6 years and under, relaxing is something I don’t often get to do.  At least, not for long!   I was determined to relish in this rare moment.

I glanced over at my friend who had joined me for an afternoon of uninterrupted pampering, and we shared a knowing smile.  FREEDOM! Continue reading →

I’ll Give You Something To Talk About!

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“I don’t want to wear glasses!” my six-year old said anxiously from the back seat of the car.  We were on our way to see a Pediatric Ophthalmologist at the University of Minnesota, after our oldest son unexpectedly developed a lazy eye in November.

My husband and I shared an uneasy glance before shifting our attention to the bundle of nerves in the backseat.

“Why don’t you want to get glasses?” we gently pressed him. Continue reading →

Let Me Be Your Mirror

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“Why did God make me this way?” I lamented, as I looked at the make-up-free, acne-spotted reflection staring back at me.  “I am 34 years old!  Why am I still breaking out?!”

My less than perfect skin was just the tip of the iceberg of unreasonable complaints I was about to spew forth.  There was the stubborn 5 pounds that I could never seem to lose and those gray hairs that were starting to creep into my unruly red mane that is sometimes curly, and sometimes straight, but usually just frizzy, since with three little kids I often don’t have the time to style it. Continue reading →