I have friends whose faith stories contain dramatic contrasts between before and after deciding to follow Jesus. I'm always inspired and encouraged by their stories. For many years, I believed my story was too boring to inspire. I've also been tempted to believe that my story disqualified me from sharing with people who are not... Continue Reading →
Pandemic Lessons
Now that my vaccination card has both doses recorded, and guidelines suggest it is safer to resume more and more "normal" living, I am enjoying getting re-acquainted with the feelings of freedom once (unknowingly) taken for granted. I believe I'll be mindful of and treasuring these freedoms for the rest of my days. Things like:... Continue Reading →
New Gratitude – Easter, 2020
I've been thinking about The Grinch a lot lately. How he tried to steal Christmas, but couldn't. Seems like there's been a new "Grinch" in town, taking a lot of what we had, (or thought we had). As a civilization, we've lost much. People have lost their lives, or a loved one to COVID-19. To... Continue Reading →
No Pressure: What I want most for my children.
As moms (and dads), don't we all want a "good life" for our kids? I believe most parents have their children's best interests in mind. I also believe that it is easy to get tripped up and focus on achievements that the world tells us will lead to a happy, "successful" life. It can be... Continue Reading →
Older and Wiser – On being happily married.
My wedding album made me cry today. Rob is speaking this weekend on marriage and needed a wedding photo of us. He retrieved the book from the attic and chose this photograph from our engagement shoot. Wow, would you just look at those fresh young faces! And Rob's hair! And my Laura Ashley sweater! (I... Continue Reading →
Hang in There (Another Life Lesson from the Garden)
I'm no farmer. I'm not even smart enough in the area of growing plants to be called a "gardener." The most that can be said about me in this arena is that I have bought plants to put in the ground and have only killed some of them. While parenting feels natural and intuitive to... Continue Reading →
Solid Christmas
I love the holiday season, but now that it is over, I'm thinking about things that last.
And Then She Graduated
She did it! Our girl graduated from UNCG with honors and has already landed a job in her field. I am amazed (but not surprised) at these accomplishments. After spending years preparing my heart for sending her off to college, it is odd how quickly it seems to have happened and is over. (I realize... Continue Reading →
Puzzle Pieces
My edges hurt a little. This is my word picture for how I feel when I am together with people I love... and then not. This weekend was Fall Break and Elizabeth and Nick were home for a few days. All of us together in the nest! It was dreamy. I love how quickly we... Continue Reading →
Noah
A young man in our community went to Heaven on Saturday. I don't just mean that he passed away. I really mean that he went to Heaven. His faith in and reliance on Christ gives me this certainty. Those of us who knew him are finding much comfort in this, even as we grieve with... Continue Reading →
Kim Perry Writes 