Guest Post by Sara Cormany
I remember the day he took my breath away. It began like most, I suppose. With my feet dangling over the side of an exam table, her fingers clickety clacking away at the computer and his voice posing the question as it had a million times before, On a scale of 1-10, how is the pain here and here and here...
A few years ago, after Kara received her terminal diagnosis, I created an Advent calendar for the Tippetts. We were all wondering if 2013 were going to be her last Christmas, and I had this idea in my mind to help them—even in my own small way—create their sweet holiday memories together. I used The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent reading plan to accompany the activities, wrapped books and activities, and delivered it all to their family with hope.
Advent—the season of waiting for Jesus—is here. I love the hustle and bustle of the holidays, everyone in a hurry and eager to celebrate. My little family goes to the mall to people watch and we also walk around downtown, listening to the carolers and watching the ice skaters. Joy is in the air! I also love all the traditions, and every year I look for more ways to point my children to understanding the importance of Immanuel, God with us.
from an article originally posted April 9, 2014…
I’m in this large coffee shop sitting directly across from a most beautiful woman. She has shockingly white hair, and she has aged so gracefully. She just pulled out her smartphone to share pictures of her pride to her friend. She is smiling over her grandchildren in the picture. She’s wearing comfortable clothes and running shoes. She cares about how she looks, but not too much.
I could feel so jealous of her, if it weren’t so evident that she loves—it shows in her deep laugh lines. Her love shows; I can’t explain it, it just does.
by Caitlin Lieder and Blythe Hunt
Last week Caitlin shared on Velvet Ashes about betrayal. She tells the story of betrayal by a family member 5 years ago; as I read, I was taken back to that situation as though it happened yesterday…
Betrayal is awful—it takes you by surprise, lying to you about who you are and what you believe, making you doubt yourself and those around you. At first you examine your heart to see where you’ve sinned, but the uniqueness of betrayal takes you a step further until you’re wondering if you’re crazy. You fight anger and resentment. You can’t shake off betrayal like other things—you realize you weren’t safe with that person, that you gave them a piece of your heart and they treated it like trash. You have been violated and disregarded. You wonder if you will ever trust again and if you do, if there is anyone who can actually be trusted.
