As Joel and I were discussing the difficult era we are in now, we experienced again the helplessness that goes along with this situation. Joel has been in contact with our lawyer, who said he would do what he could to get clarification or an amendment to the judgement that would allow Joel contact with […]

Filed under: Christian Living

I have been listening to Kari Jobe’s latest album recently and finding it a soothing reminder of God’s ever-present hand in our lives. The chorus of her song, Steady My Heart says, Even when it hurts Even when it’s hard Even when it all just falls apart I will run to You Cause I know […]

Filed under: Christian Living

Recently God has brought to my mind Psalms 33:4, “For the Word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything He does.” Joel and I have faced the frustration and discouragement of dealing with a legal system that often does not make sense, and is clearly inconsistent. It is hard to know how […]

Filed under: Christian Living

I was at a friend’s house the other day and read Romans 12:12 on a plaque she had sitting by the sink. What a timely reminder for me.  I had to ask myself, “Am I rejoicing in hope? Patient in tribulation? Instant in prayer?” Rejoicing in hope….sometimes. And then sometimes I find myself wallowing in […]

Filed under: Christian Living

The struggles we have faced this week have felt like a direct attack. I feel as if I’m in the middle of a mine-field. War is inevitable. My first thought is to scream, “Wait a minute! I didn’t ask for this?” And then I remember that I did. The moment I identified myself with Christ. […]

Filed under: Christian Living

In this time of recent grief, I have cried out to God, but I am learning not to beg Him only for a respite, although that is my first inclination. This time I have cried out to Him for the strength to believe Him, to know He is good, and does what is good. I […]

Filed under: Christian Living

Our family’s grief has been a bit overwhelming the past couple days. We cling to hope for a change in the Probation Officer’s proclamation regarding Joel’s contact with the boys. We pray for some relief. And we beg God to let us feel His presence, to know His goodness, and sense His peace and strength. […]

Filed under: Christian Living

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.”–Job Today I can relate in a new way to this statement. Although we all prayed and had high hopes for a positive meeting with Joel and his Probation Officer, the news is quite devastating. Joel is to have no contact with his kids including no phone […]

Filed under: Christian Living

Today I got to visit Joel for almost 4 hours and without having to make a 3 plus hour drive each way! That’s really something to look forward to. But I couldn’t take the kids. Roman cried brokenheartedly when he discovered I was leaving him behind, and begged me to skip going and just stay […]

Filed under: Christian Living

Part of the pain of our most recent situation has been the unjust hurt it causes my children. As a mom, it breaks my heart to see them miss their dad, feeling disconnected and helpless. It’s just not fair! I want to fix it for them. I want to do something to right the wrong! […]

Filed under: Christian Living