(I know, that title. Hear me out. I kinda liked the title, anyway.) 2 Corinthians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I love Paul’s writings, first of all. He is always so persuasive, so direct, so genuine. Strong in his faith, loving toward others, but never subservient or weak. But 2 Corinthians…
Why we all need grace (and how to give it)
I had a conversation with a very good friend the other day. She is also a parent of a child with special needs. We were sharing stories, encouraging each other just by the common bond that is special needs. There are things that only caregivers of people with special needs can know. We mourn the…
How Jesus dealt with anxiety (and how we can follow him in this, too)
“Jesus understands everything you’re going through.” “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 Anyone ever read that and think, “Yeaaahh, but not ____” or “But my situation did not happen back then”…
Grace, space and community – How to move towards God in the midst of pain
I’ve never dealt well with difficult news. Lately, I’m processing a potential new diagnosis for my son. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with ADHD. That’s been its own journey, but new doctors and experiences have led us to question if he is on the autism spectrum. We’re currently in the thick of the diagnosis…
Knit together – When you need a reminder that your hot mess is full of purpose
Psalm 139:13-14: “For You formed my inward parts. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, my soul knows it very well.” Wonderful are your works. I have prayed these verses when trying to understand and trust that my issues, my…
Grace Story
Ever feel so defeated? And then have guilt because YOUR story of defeat is just NOTHING compared to somebody else’s? Welcome to parenthood. Hello, my name is Morgan and I’m currently experiencing guilt. Guilt for handing the screaming baby off, just so I can poop. For just. Not. Caring that my older kids are whimpering…
Little funerals
I heard on a podcast a few months ago from Emily Freeman about the importance of allowing yourself periods of mourning, even for things that we don’t traditionally think of as needing to mourn. She wasn’t talking about the awful circumstances that require legit grieving, like the death of a close friend or a failed…
Speak the truth. Cling to the truth. Act on the truth.
Dreams. They’re just dreams. Crazy, mixed up, scary, but not real. Thoughts alone. Manifestations of neurons. Pictures and fragments in a blender in my head while I sleep, trying to sort themselves out. I dreamed that I knew I was about to witness my husband’s death. Some sort of gentleman’s duel, sort of, only it…
When Faith (and Parenting) is Hard
Evenings. They’re hard with kids. Even if we’re closing up a good day, with cooperative children, sweet kid kisses, and relative sibling harmony, evenings can really suck. But today wasn’t a particularly blissful day in parenting. And it was definitely hard by supper time. Gideon goes overly emotional with buttons sticking a mile out. Noah…
The Truth in the dirty dishes
Today, I matched socks out of a basket while sitting on the potty. I’ve never done that before. As I did so, I tried to decide if I should consider this efficiency? or a new personal low in home management skills? As a working mom, ministry wife, and mom of 3 (and a half!), I…