“It’s holy work,” my heart whispered to my mind as I walked down the hall toward screaming siblings. “It’s holy work,” the Spirit said as I knelt down to empathize. Holy work. Sometimes I get it right. Perhaps my children smell the fragrant aroma of the riches and grace of Christ. Perhaps their subconsciouses catalog … Continue reading Holy Work
Today marks four years since Jon stepped from this life to the next. That seems like a long time. It’s a quiet ache today though—a remembering, an honoring, and a cherishing. This morning I listened to the one voicemail I still have from him. I basically have it memorized. In 33 seconds he says, “I … Continue reading 4 Years: Victory, Reversal, Redemption.
I snuggled under a blanket with coffee in hand and a stack of well loved, leather bound books beside me. Any day that includes coffee and reflection is music to my slightly introverted and massively introspective soul. Sometimes, I need to reflect on where I’ve been to know where I’m going. Though distinguished in pattern … Continue reading He doesn’t choose the wrong color.
My friend was radiant, glowing in her white gown, a gorgeous bride. But her physical appearance paled against the backdrop of Christ radiating through her. She’s one of those rare, costly gems. We’ve laughed a lot over the last several years. We’ve cried a lot too, processing much grief and grace together. And we’ve dived … Continue reading Please give them many years.
God, the Master Author, sometimes intertwines stories in ways we wouldn’t have foreseen. So humbling that He does. Guest post by Meg McAusland “I’m always up for a game of cards.” she said as she moved her hospital tray closer to the bed. I should have known it would be her answer. Wherever Grandma went, … Continue reading But God.
My 30th birthday was epic. Yep, I know it’s a totally overused, dumbed down by pop culture kind of word, but I distinctly remember Jon’s enthusiasm. “Babe your birthday is going to be epic!” I think he embraced the words “go big or go home” long before they ever became a catch phrase. “Mrs. Atkins, … Continue reading And they shall be radiant.
When I found myself sobbing on Mother’s Day, it shouldn’t have been a surprise. Happy tears. Sad tears. Angry tears. An external processor to the core, it gets embarrassing sometimes. But I laugh a lot too. So I suppose they balance out. A friend put it this way, “Ami, you just feel a lot on the outside.” … Continue reading Yes Lord. Refine Me Again.
“I’ll have the Ordinary Special.” “Do you want blue skies with that?” “Yes please.” “Ok, that’ll be one Ordinary Special coming right up. Runny noses, nap time songs, making dinner, a kiss when the husband comes home, an argument, extra reconciliation snuggles, and a side of blue skies.” “Yep, that’ll do it. I’ll have it my way.” … Continue reading Ordinary? Extraordinary.
Sliding his arm around my shoulders, he grinned, eyes twinkling. His face was a blend of excitement and adoration. When he smiled, small mischievous creases appeared at the corners of his eyes. They were my tiny wrinkles. “You just love this don’t you?” I laughed, cupped his chin, and planted a playful kiss on his … Continue reading Chicago Dogs and the L
Let’s talk about Christmas for a few minutes. I love Christmas. I mean I really LOVE Christmas. I think many people can relate… lights, traditions, cookies, decorating, songs, ornaments, presents, the whole nine. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Jon and I got to have 4 Christmases. One dating and the rest … Continue reading Christmas, joy or misery?
When Mercy Found Me 