I’ve had a lot of time for reflection lately, and one of the songs that I have stumbled upon that has helped me process the last few months of life has been Laura Story’s ‘God of Every Story.’  I’ve always been inspired by this songwriter’s lyrics, but more than her lyrics, I’ve been touched by … More “God of Every Story”

“Joy” was my focus word of 2016, and I think I’m going to continue on into 2017 with “Joy” as my focus word- year 2! God has taught me so much this year as I have sought Him to help me understand at a heart level what it means to experience true joy and I … More Reflections on 2016…Joy Journey!

I remember my goal from a Bible study back in college: “to be content with God alone and not need a boy-friend to feel ‘whole.’” Well, that was over 15 years ago when I wrote that prayer on a 3 by 5 notecard and I can honestly say that it’s only been in the last … More Learning the secret of contentment in the everyday…

“…Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”- Franz Kafka   If ever there was a time to complain in IL, it would be now! Here in central IL, it is below 10 degrees, feels about 20 degrees colder than that, the roads are slick, the sidewalks are more like ice rinks, … More Treasure-seeking: Bitter cold or Winter Wonderland?!

James 1:2-4 was my life verse back in 2010-2011, and I sense it is becoming at least my December verse, if not my 2017 life verse again. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance … More Consider it “pure joy”…

I am learning, very slowly…AGAIN that it is important to enjoy the process and not just wait for the next “destination.”  However, learning this lesson has taken decades…and I am in the midst of learning this lesson once again.  Every time life takes a slight detour, it seems we have the opportunity to either embrace … More Learning to Delight in the Journey…