Can you believe it’s another New Year? This week, I also celebrate a big birthday, one I never thought I’d experience with my serious and incurable illness. So, I’ve been constantly asking our Lord, “Why am I still here on earth? What new thing are You calling me to, as I suffer?” Read more
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1 ESV). Sisters in Christ, as we flip the calendar to another new year, I’m pondering God’s creative work as we begin a new year. And our creative work as we suffer, perhaps a new beginning? You are invited to Read more
This week’s hymnwriter, a pastor’s kid, wrote this in serious illness, re-turning to the Lord after falling away for over twenty years: We plow the fields and scatterthe good seed on the land,but it is fed and wateredby God’s almighty hand. (“We Plow the Fields and Scatter,” Claudius, M., 1782) Serious Read more
What is the “new commandment” from Jesus for us? Jesus echoes 2 Kings 23:25, telling us to “turn to the LORD with all,” a holistic, embodied, interconnected turning of our affections, thoughts, and emotions. In the weary wilderness of suffering, our souls long, our emotions thirst, our bodies faint, and our minds Read more
Good Shepherd, thank You for guiding me through this suffering journey. Psalm 23’s promises are precious to me, for You are indeed leading me in paths of righteousness, giving me needed moments of rest, restoration, and comfort in Your always-good and compassionate presence. You’re leading me through the darkest places Read more
I’ve pondered this question over the many years of my earthly suffering: How does the gospel apply to our daily lives? How does the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ have personal relevance to our times of suffering and constant stress as we live in this fallen Read more
Lord Jesus, When “what if” thoughts fill my mind, when agony over escalating evil weighs heavy, when hope-less fears arise, zoom me back to Your hope-saturated truth. “What if”…tomorrow is actually the day of Your return? The appointed, already-scheduled day… Because [the Father] has fixed a day on which he Read more
Are you also suffering with chronic illnesses? With pain that interrupts your ability to sleep? Are exhaustion and depletion becoming a “numbed” depression? Blankly existing? Is an onslaught of simultaneous relational or financial suffering making you feel numb? “Numbness is an incredibly strong emotion, an emotion so strong that it Read more
Bedridden and flat. The only way to reduce severe pain and eye-popping pressure, as my brain continues to heal. Tears of grief, feeling like I’d been given the game of Life’s “Move back 20 spaces,” missing many special times with people I love. Wondering how I could start over with Read more
Holy Spirit, Spirit of Christ, You promise to grow Your self-control fruit in me. I cling to this promise, for I need this freeing truth in all the temptations suffering can bring. In sweet communion, Lord, with thee I constantly abide; my hand thou holdest in thine own to keep Read more
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