I had some intense, unexplained pain last week. The constant ache made it hard to think, hard to write, and hard to smile, plus it kept me awake. Just to sit—to sit—made me wince. My margins for movement were razor-thin. I learned that hurt constricts, that pain makes life feel tight. Then, in the throes,…
We hit a new low in our home this week. On Monday, strong grace led me to a place I never wanted to go. But First The Deer But I’m not writing for sympathy. I’m writing to tell you that the God is good. He gives peace. He gives rest. I’m not whistling Dixie. I…
It has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried. G.K. Chesterton wrote that about “the Christian ideal.” But it’s just as true of Paul’s treatment for anxiety. In other words, we can be freed from anxiety. Moment by moment, hour by hour, if we are willing to exert and apply and fight the…
Note: A version of this post appeared in February 2012, the month Uncle Kevin went home. That post—I Hold Your Hand—was the first post written for JoyfullyPressingOn. Firm Hold No, Mom —no! It’s very scary. I don’t want to go. Pleeeeease—nooooo! Waterpark guests stared. Lifeguards raised their brows. I tightened my grip on the four…