Diamonds 2020: A Free Conference for Chronically Ill Christians

January 20, 2020

I minister to a lot of people with chronic illness. And overwhelmingly, I hear them talk about how alone they feel. That’s why I’m so excited about Diamonds 2020! What is Diamonds 2020? Diamonds is an annual online conference for chronically ill Christians. Millions of chronically ill people battle impossible trials every single day. But… Read More Diamonds 2020: A Free Conference for Chronically Ill Christians

— Hope In Heaven —

On The Other Side Of Surgery

October 28, 2019

I’m waiting. My mother is in the operating room. I’m sitting in companionable silence with my sisters. There’s always a maybe with surgery, but today I have complete trust that the Lord will bring her out. Breast cancer isn’t fun. But I’m glad that I’m able to even be here to support her. A year… Read More On The Other Side Of Surgery

— Grief and Suffering —

An Online Conference for People with Chronic Illness

December 3, 2018

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

— Grief and Suffering —

New Book For Chronically Ill Teens (Blog Tour Interview With Author)

July 26, 2018

“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)

— Beauty in Life —

Moving Beyond Grief: Wonder In The Wilderness (Part One)

June 13, 2018

Arizona was a desert place for me, both literally and figuratively. I struggled to see any beauty, and though I did intentionally look for glory, I still hate the drab place. (All due respects to those who enjoy looking at endless miles of scrub brush.)… Read More Moving Beyond Grief: Wonder In The Wilderness (Part One)

— Grief and Suffering, Hope In Heaven —

Enduring Long Suffering (In Light Of Eternity)

May 23, 2018

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)

— Grief and Suffering —

Alone In The Desert

May 8, 2018

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

— Grief and Suffering —

It’s Okay To Be Sad

April 4, 2018

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

— Beauty in Life —

A Normal Day: A Birthday Letter To My Dad

March 28, 2018

Last Tuesday was my dad’s birthday. It was a bittersweet time. My father is the only member of our family not severely ill. He’s always shouldered the care of our family; but the last six years, the burden, heavy before, has grown. We fought five-year-old Benjamin’s rare kidney cancer tooth and claw for a year.… Read More A Normal Day: A Birthday Letter To My Dad

— Beauty in Life, Little Joys Of Life —

The Strength To Be Still

February 28, 2018

Friends, the strength to be still comes not from striving or rest or forced calm, but from surrendering ourselves, transparently broken before Him, and receiving the peace He gives. It isn’t easy, but God’s strength to be still will outlast chaos and tragedy, illness and grief.… Read More The Strength To Be Still