When we found out two years ago today that our fourth child, Timothy, had passed away, daffodils were in bloom everywhere. It was as if God was speaking to me about life in the midst of death. I cannot look at daffodils now without thinking of my three children in Heaven. Daffodils bloomed early this … Continue reading Don’t Deny Me
Category: Community
My Thoughts on The Shack
Whether you're concerned about the heart content or Biblical and Theological content, I encourage you to see the movie. Don't let fear win. 1 John 4:18
Grit
I grew up in a small redneck town in the Rocky Mountains. We had a large piece of land and lots of animals including horses, sheep and chickens. I have three brothers and was raised to hunt, fish, camp, and do all the same things the boys could do. I shot my first elk when … Continue reading Grit
Yes, My Kids Still Like the Baby
Now that Esther is a month old, I have people asking me if our older kids are still doing well with her, or if they still like the baby. I understand the question, but it makes my heart sad. Not only are Elle and Johnny still head-over-heels in love with their baby sister, but their … Continue reading Yes, My Kids Still Like the Baby
Running Toward Fear
Tomorrow I will turn 31 years old. I couldn’t be more excited! In my last entry, I mentioned that I had huge hopes, declarations, and excitement for my 30th birthday. The past year has certainly had its victories and beautiful moments. But if I could really sum it up, I would describe the past 365 … Continue reading Running Toward Fear
Community: A Mother’s Blessing
Stories of unhealthy community from my past and the redemptive healing life healthy community has brought us in our most recent trials.
Hope Deferred
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13.12 Hope deferred. This is the state Brett and I have found ourselves in quite often the past year. Many days, we could come up for a breathe and felt we weren’t trapped by its grip. Others, we could … Continue reading Hope Deferred
Vulnerability
I was surprised last month when I looked up the definition of “vulnerable”. But as I contemplated on it more, it think it is truly fitting. Brett and I have chosen to share our journey the past 15 months publicly. As we have done this, we have left ourselves open to being hurt, misunderstood, judged, … Continue reading Vulnerability
We survived our first year of youth ministry.
*Brett & I celebrating our one year milestone as youth pastors!* From a conversation with my 5 year old son, Johnny, last night: Johnny: “Mom, I want you to know that I don’t like it when you get all angry with me.” Me: “Johnny, that is great communication. I am sorry I got upset and … Continue reading We survived our first year of youth ministry.
Our children do not fit in a box! (and neither do we)
This afternoon I read Max Lucado’s book, The Oak Inside the Acorn to Elle and Johnny before rest time. It’s a precious story of how a little acorn had to let go of his mother oak, even though he was afraid, and go off into the world to be the oak God made him to … Continue reading Our children do not fit in a box! (and neither do we)
shailey ratliff 