by Anna | Jun 24, 2015 | at (in)courage
I’ve heard the “wait till you’re ready” argument used for getting married, buying a home, changing careers, and having or not having children. These are huge things! Of course there are financial matters to consider. Of course there are steps to take before diving...
by Anna | May 22, 2015 | at (in)courage
Even at three years old, I want my son to know that God always, always hears us. In the every-moment chatter. In the impassioned and pleading, tear-filled prayers. In the muttered-under-our-breath asks for patience. In the silent moments when the Spirit intercedes for...
by Anna | Apr 18, 2015 | at (in)courage
In this technology-driven-and-saturated world, not only do others have things we want, the things they have are displayed for all the see. Book deals aren’t secrets. Beautiful families are posted on walls. Opportunities and great ideas are shared right in public. It...
by Anna | Feb 18, 2015 | lifeblog
I’ve been in a kind of ugly place lately, a place of quiet cynicism and selfishness. I’ve simultaneously deferred and coveted the spotlight. The chip on my shoulder is breaking off in pieces, the seed of my secret cynic taking root and spreading like ivy...
by Anna | Feb 5, 2015 | at (in)courage, lifeblog
One of these homes backing up to our neighborhood is a Christmas holdout, strings of colored lights lining their deck railing. I love these lights. In the middle of the cold dark nights, they glow. Pacing and swaying with a sleepless baby, they glow. Struck...
by Anna | Feb 4, 2015 | lifeblog
A few weeks ago I got asked when I was due. I smiled and kindly said, I’m not. And you know, my feelings weren’t very hurt because frankly, I didn’t blame the person who asked because if I’m honest, my belly looks poochy enough to be holding a...
by Anna | Dec 29, 2014 | at (in)courage
Each day begins white as snow. Each day gives us a do-over. Each and every day starts with fresh mercy and new grace. Guilt doesn’t have to enter the picture. There’s no big party to welcome a new day, no sparkly orb or bands playing, no confetti tossed. New days dawn...
by Anna | Dec 24, 2014 | lifeblog
John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else? Matthew 11:2-3 —— It’s Christmas Eve....
by Anna | Dec 2, 2014 | A Moment of Christmas, lifeblog
Sunday morning after a weekend away for Thanksgiving, I was looking forward to going to the first Advent service at our church, which I knew would be decked out with twinkle lights, tall trees, and a manger waiting for its Baby. We’d arrived home late the night...
by Anna | Nov 5, 2014 | lifeblog
Last week I attended the Allume Conference. I hugged friends, went shopping, drank a lot of coffee, laughed until I cried (more than once!), and stayed up talking into the wee hours with dear hearts. I attended workshops and wept my way through keynotes, including the...
by Anna | Sep 27, 2014 | at (in)courage
“…the Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone.” John 1:4 (NLT) My two year old loves his Jesus Storybook Bible, with its sweet illustrations and Scripture woven as story. He began requesting ‘the John one’ a couple weeks...
by Anna | Sep 26, 2014 | lifeblog
I’ve been thinking a lot, lately, doing some leaves-are-turning, temps-are-falling, daytime-is-shortening introspective thinking. The fresh start-ness of this time of year has me wanting to purge my whole life, getting rid of clothes and toys, decor and kitchen...