Tag Archives | trials

When Cancer Strikes

My husband’s brother Doug has a brain tumor. He had surgery right before Christmas to remove half of the softball-sized mass, which doctors are calling stage 4 glioblastoma. He began radiation and chemotherapy treatments this week. Doug is 59 years old. He has a lovely wife Betty and three precious daughters, Stacey, Stephanie, and Sally. […]

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Inside the Furnace

Do you see how well she is teaching these girls? She is so clever and relatable. You are not. These girls are going to be so bored when you teach! The ugly voice snarled inside my mind and caught me by surprise. I was getting ready to teach the last of three Bible Study sessions […]

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The Tight Squeeze

I caught my breath as the measuring tape cinched around my waist. She’s pulling it awfully tight, I thought. Oh well, I reassured myself, I’m going to lose some weight anyway. It will be okay. I was getting measured to order a dress that I planned to wear to my daughter Sarah’s wedding in about […]

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Taking Thoughts Captive

The minute I saw Patrick’s face, I knew something was wrong. “Mom, can I talk with you for a minute?” he said. “Sure. How was your day?” I said. “Terrible,” he said. “I blew the interview. I am never going to get the virtual hire!” Patrick has been attending an 18-week computer programming immersion program. […]

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We Need Each Other

I glanced down at the “Table Topics” card. “What are you thankful for?,” it said. I looked around the room at the receptive faces of the young women in front of me. “I’m thankful for you,” I said. The high school and college-aged girls had taken time out of their busy lives to attend a […]

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When Things Don’t Make Sense

Two months ago, I wrote about my dear friend and prayer partner Phyllis, who died unexpectedly (possibly from a brain aneurysm). A few days ago, her sister Suzanne went home to be with Jesus after a 3-year battle with cancer. The sisters were 58 and 46, respectively. Their mother Patsy lost her two daughters in […]

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Just Say No!

I’m going to be honest. I don’t like to exercise. But even though I don’t enjoy doing it most of the time, I know it’s necessary and helpful to my physical health. The same holds true on a spiritual level. We are called to “exercise” for our spiritual well-being, and when we do, we are […]

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Look Up!

I watched the mother and father at the nearby restaurant table actively attending to their four young children. Nostalgia hit me as I remembered our family doing the same so many years ago. The 8-year-old was busily eating his hamburger. The two-year-old twins were snuggled on the lap of their mother, who was encouraging them […]

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Hold On!

My dear friend and prayer partner Phyllis died suddenly and unexpectedly a few weeks ago. From her symptoms, it seems she might have had a brain aneurysm. From God’s perspective, it was time for her to come home and be with Him. I’m happy for my precious friend, but I am deeply sad at the […]

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