This article first appeared on A Life Overseas. Here’s how I wanted to start my book about our years in India: “We didn’t have to be perfect. But Joshua and I, we were going to be happy. Our house would always smell like pumpkin pie spice, and our windows would cast bright, clean squares on the carpet. Our future children would go on hay rides and tell knock-knock jokes and...
This article first appeared on A Life Overseas. “Your new baby is beautiful,” I said to my sister last week. “And I can’t believe you named her after me!” “Wait,” my sister said. “Your name’s not Abigail.” “Yeah. But my pen name is.” “Oh. I forgot.” “Yeah, but your subconscious knew. So maybe your subconscious named the baby after me.” “I mean, I didn’t not name her after you.” “I’ll take it.”...
My Biggest Weakness I’ve painted multi-scene murals and written custom wedding songs and coordinated an entire month of themed events. I’ve written Christmas plays that made me cry. But–and I’m going to be vulnerable here–having dinner on the table at the same time every night feels like trying to run a marathon without legs. It’s like a surprise to...
n the last couple of posts, I shared about staying in a neighborhood with bullies. That experience helped us learn to follow God’s lead even when it didn’t make sense and gave my children and me the chance to practice At the same time all this was happening, I continued a lesson that I began learning in India. Namely, How to Be “Mean.” Thanks for reading Whatsoever Things! Subscribe for free to...
The Thing I Forgot God called us to stay in a situation where my children were bullied. But I determined to do all I could to change that situation. Joshua and I urged our kids to be helpful and kind and to look for ways to bless people. They helped neighbors milk their cows or do their dishes; they shared their bikes; they brought crying toddlers back home to their parents; they tried really...
Rebar-Swinging Neighbor Kids Shortly after we moved to North Africa, sensing the brevity of baby teeth and blanket forts, I got on my knees. I asked God for a home outside the city, a place to be the backdrop for Ashi and Arav’s half-over childhood. And God answered. We found a great place—cheaper than our apartment in the city, big enough to be comfortable, and non-fancy enough for two active...
Every word on this website is 100% Certified Handmade and A.I.-free. From my human heart to yours.
P.S. Join me at Stick Figure Devotions for more.