My mind ran through the mental list of all the things one must remember when going away with the five children overnight. Toothbrushes, check.Pajamas, check.Play clothes, check.and of course the kindles, check. There are always a million things to remember when packing for five children overnight, the never ending checklist scrolling in my brain. The…
Our Holy Mundane
I hit snooze three times, not because I wanted to sleep in but because I had set multiple alarms. My night was spotty at best, with a chunk of four hours in the dead of night spent awake because someone needed me. And this morning I had to get my two oldest to their ride…
Behind the Well Known Story, There’s More
I’ve grown up around Bible stories. Every Sunday school, morning devotional and church service were connected to the Bible. I knew my mom’s faded and worn Bible nearly as well as I did her comforting and familiar hands. Hands that made me breakfast, washed my hair and tucked me into bed. Her Bible and hands…
Outsource Your Hardest Subject
2020 was a “lemon” kind of year- one that you hope was just a random rotten one in the bottom of the box. When 2021 followed suit, I was reminded of the gifts even in the uncertain lurching world around us. When many suddenly found themselves unexpectedly overseeing their children’s educations, I was deeply grateful…
I have a dream
I have a dream. I dream of a country where all people are truly equal, and where skin shades are viewed as powerful expressions of God’s love for diversity. I dream of a country where truth and love are the goal, not fame or wealth. Where human trafficking isn’t swept under the rug and where…
This Sanctuary
The stone walls of the ancient castle had crumbled and the roof had long since fallen in. But instead of it being a place of desolation, lush plants had sprung up and sunlight filtered through the leaves overhead, creating a more heavenly dome than ever before. A sparrow flitted from a broken window to a…
Before we can be Instruments
Lord, make us instruments of Your peace,But first teach us to recognize the deep turmoil in our own hearts so we can taste and know, first hand, the essence of You, our peace. For we cannot give what we do not know. Where there is hatred, let Your love increase,Not just in the world outside,…
When Easter Feels Messy
This morning she was flipping through her art book, and she paused at a brilliant page. She thoughtfully examined her creation. Her art captivates me. It’s always so vibrant and free. Arms are outstretched. Carefree stick figures usually wearing long dresses for dancing, feet clad in clompy high heels and ears dangling with dramatic earrings….
Let love lead the way
Lakelyn doesn’t fully understand that Megan isn’t just like her. Of course “adoption” and “Down Syndrome” are not new words to her, but I don’t think her little mind has fully grasped what they really mean. All Lakelyn knows is that her best friend loves dress up, playing dolls and speaks a little slower sometimes…
Melissa Troyer 