On July 23rd, 2009, Jon went in for a straightforward procedure to look at a concerning spot in his lung. Unfortunately, the procedure didn’t go as planned, and there were unexpected, devastating complications. The next day, July 24, 2009, the day before our 11th anniversary, Jon passed away.
The shock of that moment was unlike anything I had ever experienced before or since. We had prayed so fervently for his healing, as had so many others, and this was not how I anticipated God was going to heal him.
Read more...The next few weeks will be a series of blog posts that are my testimony that I have had the privilege of giving to several ladies’ groups. I hope that as I share my struggles and challenges that God would use it to encourage you. He has done amazing things in my life, and I am so thankful.
Some of you know my story, and have watched God transform my life in the past 15 years from desperation and hopelessness to restoration and hopefulness.
Our lives have seasons that eb and flow like the seasons we see in nature. Sometimes it is a glorious, warm summer with an abundance of beauty. Sometimes it is a plentiful harvest in the fall. Other times we experience the cold and darkness of winter in a difficult season. And then God brings life back in the beauty of spring.
Read more...Wellness is an important part of my journey. As a young widow, I was determined to be healthy for my kids, so they wouldn’t lose another parent. But I would go to extremes. I pushed myself too hard, and eventually my body crashed. It has taken me a long time to have a healthy view of wellness and to see it as an act of worship.
The Bible says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20
God gave us our bodies. They are His temple, and He wants us to take care of them. That is an act of worship! This can be easier said than done sometimes, as we get busy with life, stressed about various things, have little to no energy or are overwhelmed by the endless fad diets and exercise programs out there. Or we just don’t want to change our habits.
Read more...There’s a misconception about widowhood that we need to “move on” after a certain time frame.
- Sometimes it’s something we tell ourselves. We put expectations on ourselves and feel like we should be at a certain point by a certain time.
- Sometimes there are unsaid expectations that are imposed on us by others through their actions and subtle hints that indicate that we should be past this point already.
- Sometimes we’re told, “Haven’t you grieved long enough? It’s time to move on”.
I have experienced all of these, and none of them are helpful.
Read more...3. Basic things students should know BEFORE getting to school
- Laundry - including getting stains out and steaming or ironing clothes.
- Time management - they should have a calendar/planner (physical or digital) and actually know how to plan out their assignments and add in their work schedule as well as any other important items. While it can be a lot of work up front to input all assignments, projects and exams as well as plan out when they will work on each assignment it is a HUGE time and stress saver in the end.
- Nutrition - including hydration. The freshman 15 (pounds) is a real thing as is brain fog and overwhelm. Getting good nutrition is so important to help them be successful at college, but unless we have taught them, they won’t know! Also drinking enough water (and not just coffee or caffeinated beverages) is important for them to feel good and be able to think clearly.
- Basic budgeting - most students won’t need to buy food, since they will be on campus, but it’s important for them to know how to manage their money. If they have a job, they need to know how to manage their money, so they don’t spend everything that comes in, and not have money to buy their books, pay for snacks or gas, or pay tuition. You would be surprised how little college students know about finances. This is why credit card companies prey on college students.
