“Just remember: God had a plan for our life long before anyone had an opinion.” My daughter repeated these words while sharing a conversation with one of her close friends. She talked about certain struggles when this wise friend encouraged her with these life-giving words. I could not believe my ears. The wisdom came from a 13-year-old boy. And even though he may have heard it from an adult, it blessed me beyond measure to know that my girl is surrounded by children who understand and Continue Reading
How Do You Define Freedom? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
My husband and I zipped along I-95 South, near Washington DC, on a section of interstate that never sleeps. Among the mostly courteous drivers, a few wanna-be race car drivers cut in and out too close for comfort. I marveled at how a tight space could hold so many speeding vehicles. That changed when we reached an area marked, “Warning: Unmarked Pavement Ahead.” Without the markings to define our lanes, the space that had comfortably held four lanes of speeding traffic abruptly shrank to Continue Reading
An Invitation to Mend the Mother-Daughter Relationship – LINKUP {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
“Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell.” These promise-filled words are found in the second part of the Old Testament book of Isaiah, where the restoration and promise of future blessings for Israel through her Messiah were foretold by the great prophet. Isaiah’s words, particularly chapters 40-66, have been a source of great Continue Reading
The Blessing of Endurance {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Isn’t it interesting that we tend to count our blessings most when hard things happen? It is after a major accident that we are glad to be alive, or post-loss that we are grateful for those who truly love us. It seems that we need disruptions to remind us that life isn’t actually in our control and that there is something more important “out there”. Yet the faster we get over things, the sooner we tend to forget lessons learned. Reminders seem fleeting and unable to impact us in a way Continue Reading
Open Letter to the People-Pleasing Girl
Dear People-Pleasing Girl – This letter is for you: The little girl trying to be invisible at school, afraid to speak up and make a mistake… The daughter who agrees to follow her mom’s dreams other than her own… The wife who gives up her desires and preferences to avoid conflict… e.v.e.r.y. t.i.m.e. The mother who is afraid of losing her child’s love for standing firm on her convictions. My heart is heavy for you! You have given up so much in the name of peace… and sacrificed your Continue Reading
Bringing Pieces of Heaven to Earth {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Heaven on earth? Really, Karen? Is there even such a thing? Why, yes. Yes, there is! And we have access to front-row-seat tickets. Yet, I’m not talking about things or situations we attribute to the phrase, “It was heaven on earth.” Such as food, trips, or any experience we feel was heaven-like. We are so limited in what we imagine for heaven. It’s much bigger and carries more awe than we realize. A New Heaven and Earth But the new heaven and earth will one day replace this fallen Continue Reading
