family

Writing Project News and Prayer Requests

Wow, posting twice in the same month! About a week and a half ago, I posted “A Christmas List for the Christian Wife”, and now this! This return to writing for Chapter 3 Ministries was made possible because it is Christmas time, and therefore I’m taking a break from a major writing project that I’ve been working on.

Since I’m still on my break, I thought it might be a good time to share more about my project and update what’s happening at C3M. This post is also for my future self. It might be interesting to look back at this post someday and see how things worked out. […]

A Temporary Change in Ministry

Back in January of this year, I wrote that 2015 was going to bring some special challenges. So far, things have gone as expected. The first three months have been especially difficult and busy for me and my family. On top of the normal challenges of work, school, and my health; we have also been preparing for a wedding and two graduations in May. Additionally, my husband’s father passed away in March. Needless to say, things have not been easy. But, our Lord is good. His lovingkindnesses never cease and his compassions never fail. (Lamentations 3:22) He has provided strength, comfort, and help for us. I’m thankful for all he provides.

The events of the past three months have affected the amount of time and energy I’ve been able to give Chapter 3 Ministries. […]

Facing the Challenges of 2015

2015 promises to be a year to remember. This year our oldest is getting married and graduating from college and our youngest is graduating from High School. In case you are wondering, we only have two. :) I have oftentimes affectionately referred to them as “my bookends”. I came up with this years ago because of the way they used to flank me on the couch when we were saying goodbye to their papa whenever he left to photograph a wedding. We have a couch right in front of a picture window that overlooks our driveway. As my husband was heading out, we would all kneel on the couch, with me in the middle, and watch as he got in his van and drove away. We would wave, tell him we loved him in sign language, and then pray for his safe return. I cherish those memories and hold tightly to them as this new year starts. […]

From the Couch

When I started this website I did not intend to write about my health situation. Though it does deeply impact my life every day, it was not what I wished to focus on. Recently my husband Butch suggested that it would be ok to write about it every now and then. I’ve thought about it, and I’ve become more comfortable with the idea. Sharing some of my experiences about this trial will allow me to testify to God’s mercy and grace. Through all my suffering, he has been my rock and my shield. He has provided for me in many ways. I am happy to share the details about that to his glory. […]

The First Room on the Right

Does your church have one of those rooms that are designated for parents to bring their children to when their little ones get a bit rowdy during the service? The church we attended when our children were small had one. My husband and I took turns bringing our little ones there whenever it was necessary. Though we did have many successful Sundays due to consistently laying out our expectations and having practice sessions at home, there were those times when they simply wouldn’t settle down. […]

Giving Thanks All Year Long

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! I’ve always loved Thanksgiving. Somehow, even after all these years, that day always feels special. I love the way the house smells when all the food is being prepared. I love relaxing with the family after we are all stuffed. I love the pies! This year Thanksgiving falls on the 26th anniversary of my new birth. It happens every so often that they coincide. It always seems like Thanksgiving is a little bit more special those years. I can’t help but be mindful of the anniversary of my salvation at Thanksgiving even when they’re not on the same day. It is what I am most thankful for. I guess it’s still amazes me that such a wonderful thing happened. […]