After touring Israel and the mission trip to Guatemala, my heart remained connected to Israel. I wanted to return. Little did I know the answer to my prayers would bring warfare and breaking. In November 2000, I wrote out my wants to God. "'Boker Tov' (Good morning) Father. I don’t know if it is emotions … Continue reading Through Brokenness, I AM Restores Hope
Life Stories
In Our Weakness, He Glorifies Himself
When I got home from Israel, it was difficult to plug back into life as usual. My mind and heart were still connected to the Land. I closed my eyes and heard the sounds of Jewish singing. I could almost smell the garlic and olive oil that permeated every street on Shabbat. I longed to … Continue reading In Our Weakness, He Glorifies Himself
Dreams Come True Part 2 – Israel Journal Notes
I left Kansas City on May 19th at 4:40 PM and flew to Detroit. There I joined most of the rest of the tour group of thirty-eight, and on to Amsterdam. We arrived on May 20, at 12:30 PM, Amsterdam time and 5:30 AM Missouri time. Lots of flying and very little sleep. By two … Continue reading Dreams Come True Part 2 – Israel Journal Notes
Dreams Come True Part 1
(That's me--first row on the right, kneeling. 🙂 ) On August 9, 1994, in Independence, Missouri, my life shot headlong toward Israel. It began in a windowless conference room, at the end of exhausting hours of discussion, prayer and decision making. Back tired and mind frazzled, I fidgeted on a metal folding chair. I glanced … Continue reading Dreams Come True Part 1
God’s Word Is Strong Medicine
It was wonderful to have a new baby in the house. We did our best to let Sarah care for her little one and stand by to encourage and support. The meds the doctor gave me for depression and anxiety were finally taking over. While the stress lifted, life continued to press. Thanksgiving was just … Continue reading God’s Word Is Strong Medicine
New Life, Struggles, and New Joy
At the beginning of 1997, I purchased an “Anne Geddes 1997 Datebook.” I filled each day’s blank with five things I was thankful for. Little did I know when I bought it, how much I would need to focus on thanks. The year was a series of eruptions. There were days I strained to write … Continue reading New Life, Struggles, and New Joy
Through the Flood
Several days after my walk around the lake, Mike went in for his stress test. Mike worked at a large government contracted plant as a security guard. Every year they required the guards to run a half mile to stay qualified for their jobs. A security guard wasn’t worth his salt if he couldn’t run … Continue reading Through the Flood
Through the Fire
The next year and a half were rocky. I attended a Covenant church near where we lived. Freedom in the Spirit was missing, but the people were friendly, and I did get a chance to teach a teens class there. It wasn’t home, but it was a good place to rest. Our daughter, Sarah, was … Continue reading Through the Fire
Hindsight is 20/20
From my journal: Floundering, that’s the word. It’s been two months, and I’m still floundering from the fallout. I’ve been out of church except for a few Sunday services. Every time I go, I feel waves of accusation or people encouraging me to re-activate my flesh in past patterns of service. Yet, I cannot. I … Continue reading Hindsight is 20/20
Confrontation, Fallout, and Repentance
Huddled in a fetal position in the back corner of our bedroom, I shook with grief. The tears would not stop. Every shade in the house pulled shut, every door locked, and our phone was off the hook. Mike and Sarah were in California and would not be home for several days. “God,” I cried, … Continue reading Confrontation, Fallout, and Repentance
Hear God's Heart 