A friend whispered as she handed me a gift that I had jokingly coveted for a year, “Alene, God knows the desires of your heart.” I knew He did or rather I knew the scripture that I had long ago memorized. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 Why do I… Read More
I’ve stood on many shores across the globe. I even live by a shore on the Gulf of Mexico, but nothing I’ve seen compares to the barren wilderness of the Alaskan shores. These shores are where I feel the closest to Jesus. His peace blows in with each wave that crashes over my soul just as the waters land hard… Read More
Are you needing encouragement today? Maybe the rhythms of life have you feeling kind of down these days. Or maybe you find it hard to get up and press through the difficult hours? Seconds creep by and you look for encouragement around every corner. I know these feelings. Seasons swoop in and try to drown you, while you try your… Read More
Wiping away tears, I tried to be strong and brave. Oh how this word brave, that we so flippantly float around, can be the biggest when we have to exert it in the smallest of things. When you don’t want to release your child into the thrones of college, but do — that’s brave. When you fight for your marriage… Read More
There have been some long days around here. I’m not good at sitting and waiting on answers. Not at all! I’m impatient and restless. But I’ve seen plenty in my life to know God doesn’t always give answers. There weren’t answers for: Why my hair was suddenly falling out Why I suffered from infertility for years Why loved ones died… Read More
All I’ve ever wanted was to fit in. Maybe you’ve wanted that too. When I was younger, I hated being different from all my friends and longed for normal — whatever that is. It seemed as if everyone else was adorned with glitter and had a glow. I wanted that too. But this longing to be like everyone else didn’t end… Read More