Devotions
Lord, Stretch Me
When new wine is poured into new wineskins, the new wine ferments and expands, and in doing so, stretches and grows the vessel. A true wineskin vessel reaches a point...
Secret Sickness
I’ve been physically sick for a long time. Years of chronic, painful suffering have taken their toll on my once-strong, capable, athletic body. In the process, I’ve learned how to...
Forgiveness, Sin, and McDonald's Sundaes
I still remember my First Reconciliation. I wore a black dress with a lace collar covered in pink rosebuds. My parents walked me into the confessional and afterwards we celebrated...
Vicious Moments, Merciful Transformations
Praise God, my soul inhabits a human body, one capable of consuming delicious food, delighting in beautiful violin concertos, basking in the loving touch of a friend, and receiving Our...
Patron Saint of Snark
Poor Saint Thomas. His whole life gets boiled down to one declaration in a moment of petulance. He is forever “Doubting Thomas.” But I’m not convinced that’s the most apt...
Peek Outside and Know Him
There was a time in my life when I thought that being upset with God was sinful. I believed that when I came to God in prayer, I had to...
Little Girl, I Say to You, Arise!
The words I spoke long ago are still buried deep within my memory: How can I believe God can heal me when I haven’t even accepted I have a disease?...
As He Believed
“We have been praying about this evening of healing for a few months now, and we want to share with you some of the healing we feel led to pray...
Centuries of Dirt
Underneath my feet the dirt was compacted from centuries of feet pacing the road. To my sides, brick upon brick, walls of small buildings stood side by side. They were...
For the Glory of Your Name
“For the glory of Your Name, O Lord, deliver us.” (Psalm 79:9) My life is in chaos and I do not know which way to turn. I am overwhelmed and...
Soften Our Hearts
“Elisebeth Claire!” my mother called loudly. Uh oh. When mom used my full name with that tone, I knew the situation was not good. Much to my chagrin, she had...
Gifts of Pearls
Boxes of forgotten Christmas ornaments. Silver trays that have served many a delicacy. Hand sewn linens passed from mother to daughter. Family heirlooms are one of the delights of my...
