• Choosing Freedom in a Sinful World
    inspiration,  the Gospel

    Choosing Freedom in a Sinful World

    Happy Independence Day to all of my fellow American readers and followers! And of course, a big hello to those from other countries who are reading this post. I’m so glad you’re here 🙂 Today is a celebration of summer, the birth of America, and more importantly, of freedom. When it comes to the word freedom, many images come to our minds. We picture fireworks and family cookouts. We see soldiers sacrificing everything, including their lives, in order to protect our country. While all of these images are beautiful and accurate for the American Independence Day, true freedom goes beyond even our patriotic celebrations. In order to understand what freedom…

  • how to find healing in a sick world
    POTS,  praise

    How to Find Healing In a Sick World

    Yesterday was one of the those days where I just couldn’t win. No matter what I did, I could barely get out of bed. Walking was difficult and concentrating took all of the energy I had. My body refused to cooperate with my mind, but I still pressed on. This is my life with POTS right now. I say “right now” because I believe God’s healing power is at work in me. But I can’t deny the reality that although my body is healthy, it doesn’t work the way it should. Isn’t it strange how when you’re sick, the feeling leaks into all areas of your life? Work and school…

  • the truth about shame
    Jesus,  shame

    The Truth About Shame

    I have a confession to make. I am twenty-three years old, and am just learning how to drive. It’s a huge victory in my battle with a chronic illness that prevented me from driving. But it’s also a struggle. Learning to drive isn’t easy–at least not for me (and not for the poor souls who help me practice). And to be honest, it makes me anxious. Though I am getting better with every lesson, I still feel a terrible, self-defeating feeling that shrouds me in darkness. I’m talking about shame. The Poison of Shame Merriam-Webster defines shame as “a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety.” This feeling,…

  • faith,  poetry,  the Gospel

    Once Was Enough

    My hands cramp up as I Knit stitch after stitch, Trying to form the perfect tapestry Out of an imperfect heart. It never ends This cloak of guilt. Day after day I punch the sky, Trying to find a way out A way to freedom.   My legs are on fire as I Run in staggered steps, My lungs constricted by the winter chill. I don’t know what I’m running from, But I can feel the weight of it Reaching for me like a dense fog. Day after day I collapse into its dark embrace, Wondering if there’s a way out A  way to deliverance.   Always I try To…

  • blog challenge,  poetry,  writing

    The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly~Day 2 of The 30 Day Blog Challenge

    (Image Source) Hello lovely readers and followers! Welcome back to Day 2 of the 30 Day Blog Challenge.  Today’s Topic: Emily–The good, the bad, and the ugly. That’s quite a lot to write about yourself in one post, but I think I can do it in a poem! “Emily–The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” I am bad. My sins running red With every lie I’ve ever told And every part of myself I’ve tried to destroy.   I am ugly. My body never good enough For any magazine in the country Or the accusers in my mind.   I am good. Because my Creator made me with His hands…