Faith That Builds
“Well, Dan, God got a hold of me. I started coming up to camp in 1979 and never looked back.” I loved hearing more of Jimmy’s story in early May as I helped open Camp Paradise for its 48th...
Category: Devotionals
Thank You For Teaching Me
Our verse today is Jesus’ response to His bothered disciples after the mother of two of them asked Him to give her sons elevated status in Heaven. He taught them that in His upside-down Kingdom,...
Unfiltered Kindness
The pain was real. You know the kind—a new shoe you’re trying to break into by walking around in it but it’s just too tight. It started off rubbing the heel and quickly turned into chafed skin...
Reflections From Malawi
A few weeks ago, my husband and I visited Willow’s partners in the country of Malawi, one of the least-resourced countries in Africa. It was an incredible trip. We saw first-hand the fruit of years...
What Ought I To Do With My Life?
'The deepest vocational question is not, “What ought I to do with my life?” It is the more elemental and demanding, “Who am I? What is my nature?”’ Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak.
Wash Your Hands!
In March 2020, Coronavirus threatened our Illinois cities, towns, and neighborhoods. A reported 10,030 died from the virus by November. The health department guidelines urged us to wash our hands...
But Family Is Everything
“Family is everything” rolls off the tongue. This mantra is promoted by pro athletes after wins and losses, by actors at award ceremonies, and scores of devoted grandparents and parents.
Chinese Wontons and Worship
Last fall, our entire church experienced the fun and richness of community through food from around the world at the World Food Fair.
Pay Taxes?
My personality prefers binaries—black or white, right or wrong, true or false. Over the years, I have prayed that God would help me understand and see the gray—including the beauty that often...