Unbalanced Life

I find security when life functions like an accountant’s organized ledgers.  Keeping each column of faith, family, and finances balanced.

It was a leap of faith accepting a job offered to my husband, but one that would increase our family’s equity to help pay off our remaining liabilities.  There was fear he was offered too much money, but we moved forward.

After employed for one year with this company, we left for our first vacation to celebrate my brother’s wedding.  On vacation my Dad and husband were infected with Shigella and Tadd spent one day of vacation inside a hospital.  Sometimes life tilts us temporarily only to recover quickly.  Once healthy enough to travel we desired to return to our balanced, well planned out life.

Except everything changed.

Without warning my husband was let go from his place of employment and we were left wondering if we were going to lose everything.  Life’s liabilities out weighed our assets and equity, leaving me horribly unbalanced.

I was not in control.  I turned to God in panic not faith.  It was during this time I found despite everything that was shaken, the foundation stood firm.

Living an unbalanced life is a thin place for me — a place where I could have easily given into deep despair, instead I experienced God’s power and love.

When the economy began to threaten the balance of our lives again; I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. God whispered to me once again, “He gives a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-discipline.1



1. 2 Timothy 1:7

Word Count: 259

This was written in response to a challenge by Mary DeMuth.  Her newly published book Thin Places is about hope and healing.  I have reviewed Thin Places by Mary DeMuth on Lori’s Book Reviews .  I encourage all women to read Thin Places, but also I invite you to write about a thin place where you have experienced God’s presence.



Beautiful Music To My Ears

I was going to email Mom this story but thought I would share it with all of you also.

This morning (Sunday) we came into church and things were going according to schedule, songs and prayer. Then behind my husband and I there was a small commotion going on quietly behind me, it was not much, but enough to catch our attention. There was an elderly lady sitting right behind us, you could tell her family was caring for her because her mind was not all there. Well when we as a congregation sat down to listen to the beautiful music our choir was singing, this lady remained standing right behind me and sang her heart out with the choir.

It was such sweet music to my ears, I closed my eyes and felt like I was sitting there listening to my own grandmother sing. Memories of my Grandma singing is something I hold dear, she was not always on key but it was beautiful to me.

Unfortunately her family in hushed voices were telling her to sit down but she wanted to just stand and sing to sweet Jesus. My husband looked over at me, knowing I was listening to what was taking place behind me, and I had tears streaming down my face. It took everything I had to not turn around and tell this sweet family to leave her be and let her sing.

I praise God, ironically the Pastor’s message today was to let your emotions flow according to what you are comfortable with. Worship is something between you and God and we are called to worship in spirit and truth!

Father when I am old and my mind is not as it once was, may YOU be what shines through, may I stand and sing praises to your name.

Looking Forward to the Next 16 Years

16 years ago I was standing in a regular Sunday dress and he was in his Sunday best coat and tie. We were both standing before my Uncle— who was a pastor— in his house up in the mountains, with a small group around us. It was not how I envisioned my wedding when I was a little girl, but to my husband he would not have changed a thing. But now as I look back I really like the intimacy of the type of wedding we had. I have been to large weddings and sometimes the intimacy is lost, the focus is to much on “show” and making things all go according to plan, but our wedding was relaxed with family and  friends and a day filled with love.

I love you honey and I would do it all again.  Looking forward to the next 16 years.

Anniversary