Day 6: Bonding

I can hardly believe that it's been 10 months since I've been living with the Schmidt family! What a privilege it has been to witness some major milestones for each of these kids -- first going to the potty -- first words -- first day of preschool and kindergarten.

I don't know how many more days I will be here, but in the meantime, I am soaking up these priceless moments. These kids hold a very special place in my heart and always will.

*** Isaac ***

*** Marcus & Chloe ***

Day 5: On Being 30

As of a couple weeks ago, I was feeling a little depressed about turning 31. There was so much anticipation built up to 30, only for it to feel a like a let down.

Thought I would have found the job, the home, the neighborhood, the relationship…

The intangible sweet spot.

However, if I look with a different lens that allows me to see past the initial disappointments, I am beginning to see a different me.

I see a woman who has weathered some really difficult storms; yet has somehow come out the other side a little tired, but not defeated.

Faith tested, yet unwavering in the face of trial. This is the woman I want to be when I share stories with my grandkids in 30 years.

Day 4: Easter

The gifts of Easter come in small packages...

Day 3: Last Day of Lent

This Lent, I gave up two staples in my diet: bread and sugar.

Driving home one day after a gathering, I couldn’t help but be tempted by two of my favorite snacks that were sitting in my car. All alone, I gave in and indulged myself. After the fact, I was faced with the reality that…

I am weak.

I am vulnerable.

I am needy.

This is the unadorned self that I don’t like to reveal to others. But this is the self that understands its need for a Savior.

As I am confronted with self this Lent, I am also confronted with His grace in a deeper way. God knew that I would mess up, but He provided a way out of my impending death.

Where would I be without the Lamb? 

Day 2: The Veil was Torn in Two

God forsakes His Son for the sake of His Beloved. All of earth quaked at the death of God’s only Son who took on the sin of the world.

“… It is finished.”

The curtain—symbolizing all that separated us from God—was torn in two. Straight from the hand of God—top to bottom.

The most violent act of God was also His most intimate one.

Divine Love clears my record, remembers my sin no more, and reaches down and touches me. The King of glory makes Himself known to His people and removes the veil.

Because of this, nothing separates me from the love of God.


Nothing.

Day 1: The Power of Relationships

Lately, I’ve been learning that the key to community impact is through relationship. This is where the kingdom happens. Relationships that cross ethnic, socio-economic, cultural lines – make you think twice about your life and the norms that may not be true for your neighbor.

Today, as I sat on a Human Trafficking Taskforce with Kingdom Causes and various leaders in the city, I learned about the importance of relationships to victims. Social isolation is their greatest enemy. Yet, consistent and trusting relationships have the greatest power to bring healing.

What happens when loving your neighbor means calling them friend?