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When the Wait Is Long
Two weeks ago, I resigned from my job of fourteen years. It was a shock to all but the handful of people who have been privy to my dream of a smaller life, a more flexible life, a less busy life a not-8-to-5-Monday-through-Friday life. It’s a dream I’ve harbored for over a decade. Deep down,…
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Practicing Gratitude as a Remedy
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . . And be thankful” (Col. 3:15 ESV). How can we possibly harbor peace–the divine, eternal variety–in our hearts, when we’re living in a world that looks like ours does right now? How can we approach gratitude as a remedy for what makes our hearts…
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His Extravagant Love
This weekend, I moved my morning reading spot from the overstuffed rocking chair next to the window in our sitting room to the couch in the living room with its gas fireplace. As I sat sipping my coffee and watching the flickering flames, I was filled with contentment. I mused over the fact that we…
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An Island in the World
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Col. 3:2 ESV) There’s a common admonition among Christians, to “be in the world but not of the world,” but you may wonder what, exactly, this means. Does it mean we don’t engage the world, that we avoid anyone and…
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When Grace Surprises Us
Almost a year ago now, we moved back home. We’d been away for nearly a decade, and I’d gotten used to starting over. We’d started over in new cities, at new churches (more than a few times), new homeschool groups, new book clubs and dance studios. And I figured moving back home would be more…
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It’s OK to Rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28-29 NIV) When we think about the busiest times of the year, we tend…