Cultivating Seasons of Joy
When my church’s singles’ group decided to host Friendsgiving the first year I lived in Cleveland, I had no idea […]
Sweeter than Chocolate: Loving Others through Loneliness
Loneliness is a bitter pill to swallow, but, as Mary Poppins says, “A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go
On the Birthday of a Perfectionist
Today, I turn thirty-five, and I have been dreading it. While sifting through my negative feelings about this birthday a
Embracing Our Purpose
There is no hunger like the hunger for purpose. In a 2014 study by Larissa Rainy, 97% of participants agreed
Contending with the Purpose Crisis
When I quit teaching in 2020, I had a “purpose” crisis. “Quit” is a rather strong word. God firmly closed
Hope for the Estranged
Resurrection Sunday is a day of hope. We celebrate Jesus’s triumph over death, hell, and the grave. We celebrate our
To Walk on Water
To walk on water, you must first go through a storm. On Valentine’s Day, my sister Sarah and I walked
Finding Joy in Loving Others
Each year, the Christian school I teach at has a community service day. One year, a fellow teacher and I
Finding a Friend in Solitude
The Christmas season is full of activity and social events. Special church services. Work Christmas parties. School programs. Family gatherings.
Embracing the Gift of Story
Some of the most influential Christmas gifts I ever received were books. Christmas has always been the perfect time to