I returned yesterday from a two-week writing retreat at North Carolina’s Outer Banks. I’ve gone there each October for the past five years, and every time Jesus has spoken to me powerfully. The Lord opens my spiritual ears when I’m silent before Him in His marvelous Creation. He stirs my wonder and gratitude while making me feel both small and …
3 Wilderness Lessons at the Beach
Though I’m no longer a sun-bather, I love the beach. It’s healing for me and stirs my creativity. The sound of the waves. The scent of sea air. The predictable rhythm of the tides. It was about this same time last year that I traveled to North Carolina’s Outer Banks—as I’ve done every year since 2017—with 5-6 other writers to …
God’s Heart of Anger, Grief, and Love
I can finally say with millions of others, “I’ve been to Vegas!” But I can’t let “what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas” because it’s too important. When we asked Roy’s brother and sister-in-law (who moved out there in May) to give us the first-timer’s tour so we could experience the real Las Vegas, I had no idea the anger, …
Insecurities in the Hands of an Angry God
Did you ever have a favorite stuffed toy, doll, or blanket that you slept with when you were little? Maybe an imaginary friend? I have very little education in psychology and don’t know how or if those things factor into adult insecurities. (I had two imaginary friends as a child—so no judgment from me!) But let me just say . …
Reframe the Past, Pre-frame the Future
We used to own some property in the Pacific NW that was six miles off grid. A couple of cabins nearby, in case of emergency, made it the perfect combination of safe yet remote. It was absolutely silent. No need to reframe my perspective on that situation. It was glorious! We decided to build a 8×12 shabin—part shed, part cabin. …
Big God, Small World
Here’s my new world (at left), “quarantined” with Zekey in my bedroom. No, I don’t have Covid-19. I have a new disease that’s lasted far longer but isn’t life threatening: EDITS. There’s no vaccine. I’ve become pretty isolated and, frankly, a little obsessed with my circumstances. It’s been over four months of quarantine from family and friends. God provided a …