A coffee and my Bible. An unanswered why and uncontrollable tears. This is how I started my day. I trust Jesus. I know the Word of God is Truth. I have seen beautiful things come from ugly things this year. But I still have mornings of whys. I’ve wondered why I got cancer. Not in a Why me? I don’t deserve this kind of way. (I have honestly never struggled with that.) But more in a What purpose does this serve in my life? kind of way. I know God wouldn’t run me through the wringer for nothing, but I don’t have a…
Sleep. I have slept in a reclined position or on my back since February 25. That’s 145 uncomfortable nights, but who’s counting? Praise God for my super hero Dr. Testroet. Those little white pills she prescribed for me are the only reason I currently catch enough Zzzzzs to function like a human. Hold Sully. My dear friend Mara has the cutest little baby. I could stare at him for hours. But holding him at this point is so very uncomfortable. I’m pretty sure he thinks so too. As he squirms in my arms I just know he is thinking “Wow, this is awkward. Does…
John Piper speaking at Passion ’97. (Taken on my not-so-high-quality camera with real film that had to be sent away in a cute little black tube to be developed.) Dear Mr. Piper, It is 1997. Me and my 6 friends, ready to hit the road. I am 21 years old, and I just hopped into a van with six of my friends to drive 17 hours from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas for the Passion ’97 Conference. I have no idea who you are. Just a name and a photo. A middle-aged…
Marlowe, Hildy and me the summer after Grandma died The night before my surgery, I received this email from my great-uncle Marlowe. HILDY HAS BEEN FEELING PUNK THE LAST FEW DAYS AND WENT TO BED EARLY TONIGHT. I WAS WASHING DISHES WHEN SHE CALLED ME TO THE BEDROOM. SHE SAID THIS IS STRANGE. “I’VE BEEN HEARING THE VOICE OF MY FATHER PRAYING FOR KIM AND HER SURGERY. WRITE THEM AND EMAIL AND LET THEM KNOW THAT ALL IS WELL AND THE SURGERY WILL GO WITHOUT INCIDENT. NOW I CAN GO TO SLEEP”. YOU HAVE BEEN…
I found this poem during one of my middle of the night reading sessions. And as I am at the start of what is likely going to be a not-so-good sleep night, I am encouraged by it again. It is beautifully written. Enjoy. Further Still In that lonely place ~ No friend can go ~ No brother can help ~ No loved on can know I must crawl on ~ While you stay ~ Further still ~ Just watch and pray In that lonely place ~ The cup is fought ~ To sip the pain ~ Or choose my lot…