Prayer Prompt: Refuge and Strength in God

Refuge Support, sustain, uphold, carry: what do these words all have in common? Aren’t they words that speak about something that is weak, something that is small, something that needs to be held? There are so many times in the journey with chronic illness when we are left feeling the depth of our smallness. Sometimes … Continue reading Prayer Prompt: Refuge and Strength in God →

Step-by-Step: Walking in Line

Cadence Step by step rhythm Flowed around me I was floundering Flipping Feet-tripping Marching Band season Called me joining I was engaging Entrancing Heart-lifting The years tick-tocked Music and rhythm I finally was moving Marching Mind-dancing And the Spirit breathed Wind of God I was stepping Soaring Soul-syncing Holy Spirit carry me Step by step … Continue reading Step-by-Step: Walking in Line →

WITH-ness: A New Word

A memory flooded to the surface recently. I had been praying for release to be able to share my #OneWord for this New Year. Every time I began a post, I heard the whisper, "Not yet, you'll know when it's time." And so I waited. Others were posting their words for the year, and I … Continue reading WITH-ness: A New Word →

Chronic Joy Ministry: A Prayer Prompt

Dwelling The Cambridge English Dictionary gives us a simple definition for the word dwelling: a place where people live. And yet, we each also dwell within these physical forms–our human bodies that are inherently lonely. No one else can feel the precise emotions we feel. No other person can hear the words that rumble around … Continue reading Chronic Joy Ministry: A Prayer Prompt →

Waiting With Jesus

I thought I had learned quite a bit about waiting by now. I've shared four different posts here with the word "wait" somehow linked in the title. God must know that I have a hard time waiting. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. … Continue reading Waiting With Jesus →

Simple Gratitude

My plans for "Thanksgiving" had loomed large before me this fall. Appointments with Specialists with the accompanying tests and procedures did little to alleviate the weakness that had become all too familiar. How could I celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, and more importantly, how could I celebrate the gift of being thankful when I felt … Continue reading Simple Gratitude →

Joy Comes in the Morning

Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5 ESV Throughout my years of reading the Scriptures, this verse has been one of my favorites. It has brought such a comfort into so many hard places. When night fell it seemed that the problems always loomed much … Continue reading Joy Comes in the Morning →

Chronic Joy Ministry

Have you ever heard that still small voice of God asking something of you that felt impossible? Throughout my journey with Chronic Illness, every time that I have wanted to curl up in my safe corner and stay hidden away, Jesus has called me to open my heart and be honest in the … Continue reading Chronic Joy Ministry →

A Spring Never Failing

(photo taken at Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, MN, 2014) The therapist pushed gently on my back and at the same time rested her hand above my heart. And I heard the Lord ask me to give Him my heart. Like Peter, I was hurt by the question. "Lord, you know I … Continue reading A Spring Never Failing →

The Gardener Plants

Sitting around the table with a few of my loved ones, the conversation had shifted to the gardens around our homes. As my friend's suffering eyes transformed with a glow when she described her home, I heard myself speaking an answer, "You've planted your soul in the ground of that place." … Continue reading The Gardener Plants →