Several weeks ago, it snowed in Minnesota. Finally. After getting by with an inch of ice and a dusting of hard, sleet-like snow for most of the winter, we have enough to use our snowshoes. Since I was a little girl, whenever the weather predicted snow, I hoped for the beautiful “catching” kind, crystalline flakes… Read More How Do We Reconcile Temporal Beauty in a Broken World? (Part One)
“As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Romans 9:13 He loved Jacob, that wild boy with a heart rather struggling than obedient. But Esau God hated. What was it about Jacob? What was it about Esau? Was it them at all? Which of the two led a life easy and free from… Read More Jacob Have I Loved: Suffering and the Love of God
Hello Wild Rose Journal readers! I’ve missed you. I have been thinking about doing posts more often, but I have to wait until we get my computer fixed. But meanwhile, today I have two special announcements for you, one today and one tomorrow! Do you recall Sara Willoughby? She’s the author of He’s Making Diamonds:… Read More An Online Conference for People with Chronic Illness
Wilting roses are beautiful to me; they remind me of the strange glory of surrender. A heart who so rests in her Savior that she accepts His decree that she let fly her precious petals – nothing but love for Him could allow it.… Read More The Beautiful Death Of Surrender
I’ve lived nowhere for almost one year. At least, that’s what it felt like during the worst moments. We went from a beautiful country home to living in a camper and wintering in a friend’s home, then back to camper living April-today. Yet, truly, I was content even in the worst moments. It was a… Read More 5 Things I Learned About Surrender From Losing My Home
“But you’re too young to be sick!” That’s the most common reaction I get when I try to explain my illness. Youth is a synonym for vibrant health. So what happens when a young person is attacked by long term illness? It’s isolating and difficult. They need support but most people just don’t get it.… Read More New Book For Chronically Ill Teens (Blog Tour Interview With Author)
The best is yet to come. These words have stayed with me throughout my life, ringing in my ears whenever I think about suffering, especially long suffering. I’ve never really liked the verse about “light momentary affliction.” It seemed like Paul was making fun of our trials, saying that they weren’t really all that bad.… Read More Enduring Long Suffering (In Light Of Eternity)
I am so excited to present the third of four Letters Of Hope. Each Letter is a dose of encouragement from someone who has struggled before. Sara Willoughby reminds us that God is with us in the lonely desert. To the one who feels alone- I don’t know exactly what you’re going through right now,… Read More Alone In The Desert
If the God of the universe grieved, and indeed still grieves for us, then who are we to say it’s not okay to grieve?
Let Jesus hold you in His arms and give you hope. Hope that it won’t always be like this. Hope because He is healing your heart, even if you can’t see it. Hope because He loves you. Hope because He understands. Hope because He is with you.… Read More It’s Okay To Grieve
It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to mourn the life you couldn’t or didn’t or won’t live. It’s okay to voice your struggles without saying, “The Lord is good.” It’s okay to cry.… Read More It’s Okay To Be Sad