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Hope in Heartache. A Story.
In June, 2012, I met Nettie Kelsey at a speaking and writing conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both Hoosiers, we connected at the opening session. As I have gotten to know Nettie, I’ve had the...
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God Hasn’t Moved
Nettie Kelsey experienced a mother’s heartache in losing one son in a car accident and another son to prison because he was the driver of that car. Hope came when he was also sentenced to drug rehab....
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Character Development
This past week, as our youngest celebrated a milestone birthday. But that wasn’t the real milestone. The real marker is all the changes in our life over the last 13 years. Life-changing changes...
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Quiet
Tomorrow, in schools across America, children and teachers will enter schools and classrooms different people. Parents will walk through familiar routines with interrupting thoughts. “They lost their...
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Just. No. Words.
I’ve got to be honest. In light of recent national events, I sit down to write asking, “Why? Why should I continue putting even more words in social media when there’s already too much? Too many...
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Snapshots Beyond the Picket Fence
Snapshot One: A family celebrates as their son receives an organ transplant. A true miracle. Hope for new life is with them! Snapshot Two: A family watches their little son fade away before their eyes...
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Inspiring Stories: Tanya’s Story
I have the humble privilege to share Tanya’s Glanzman’s story of being an overcomer and survivor of childhood abuse, abandonment, and neglect. Tanya is a remarkable woman. She is a contributing...
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Parenting Series: What I Learned from My Mother-In-Law
I’ve revisited the life of my mother-in-law with many of you this week. One person who knew her commented, “Lois not only made a positive impact on her family but on her church and the community as...
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Taking Risks Despite the Gloomy Forecast
I’m going to try” I said. Snow was no longer coming down, but school had just been canceled. The winds were blowing snow across the road in front of our house. I checked the weather between Indiana...
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The Sound of Silence
And there was silence in Heaven. Revelation 8:1 I don’t feel right writing, but in my selfishness, I do. The tears roll down my face today. My heart is broken. Broken for a childhood friend who lost...
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Winter’s Here, But Spring is Coming
Like other parts of the Midwest, Spring is coming late this year on the Back Forty. As I write, the calendar says Spring has arrived, but snow is pelting the window. I’m a whiner about March anyway,...
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Inspiring Stories: Ingrid’s Story
It’s my great privilege to have a dear friend share her story of cancer survival. This is Ingrid’s story: My friend holds her daughter’s hand, whispering prayers as the daughter lay in the Intensive...
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Mother’s Day: Inspiring Women and Messed-Up Experiences in Motherhood
Today is Mother’s Day – the day we think of the blessings of motherhood. In reflecting on this day, I’m reminded of inspiring women who had messed-up experiences in motherhood. Many biblical women...
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If Heaven Were A Place and Why I Stay Away
He stands in an empty room. It’s quite and still, but his heart speaks to memories the he holds. I couldn’t stand in that room, so I stay away. There are moments when the pain of what is gone is …...
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The Legacy of Being Real
There’s a story called The Velveteen Rabbit. It’s about a stuffed animal that was drug around by a Boy during the magical moments of childhood, through sickness and fear. What is Real? the Velveteen...
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The Power of Honoring Our Stories
I sat across from her. In the glow of the restaurant, she looked away and spoke from her pain. She was honest with me. I heard and understood her. The book of her life opened. It began making sense to...
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Finding Calm by Jennifer Barnes Maggio
I’m excited to help launch Choose Now team member Jennifer Barnes Maggio’s new book for single parents! Eighteen years ago, I gazed into the eyes of my unbelievably beautiful first-born. I sat in the...
View ArticleAn Open Letter to a New Stay At Home Mom
Dear Ellen, Today will be one of the hardest days you’ll face. You’re leaving a job you love so you can spend more time with your children, those two sweet babies who bring you both joy and exhaustion...
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Hearing The Voices Of Freedom
It’s been a long time since I’ve really written. From the heart. Heart writing requires time – time to reflect, time to write down what whispers in your soul. I don’t know where to start – whether to...
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