The World Through My Eyes

  In the movie It’s A Wonderful Life , when George Bailey had his breakdown and got his wish to have never been born, he had an incredible experience. He got to see what it would be like for everyone he knew and loved to reject and hate him. During his time, with only Clarence the angel as his friend, he essentially ended up homeless and alone. Ironically the reasons for his breakdown included problems with his job, house, and family. It became pretty clear that George’s biggest problem wasn’t his problems, but rather his failure to let go of his own expectations for his life and fully embrace the wonder of the life he’d been given. When George finally came out of his dream state and returned to his family, he soon realized what a blessed life he had all along. Everything that once caused him grief and worry were now a sight for sore eyes. He even felt excited to see Mr. Potter, his worst enemy! George quickly realized that all the fulfilled dreams and money in the world was no mat...

When I was a young mom in my early twenties with my first baby on my hip, I began reading and listening to a self-proclaimed "whistle blower" of the FDA and pharmaceutical companies. He claimed that all our medication we take and food we eat are manufactured specifically to keep us addicted , fat and sick. His assumptions based on his research showed that the producers of such goods were profiting from keeping people in need of their commodities. The more addicted we are to the food, the more we eat the food, the sicker we become consequently needing more medications. Me and my savvy college educated self thought I'd seen the light and uncovered some secret truth. This author used many seemingly reliable sources and much of his claims seemed valid and verifiable. Coupled with my own awareness of the rise of obesity, illnesses, and food allergies, it all naturally fit like a puzzle in my mind. Within a matter of days, I allowed this one man’s claims to drastically ...

My brother Jason and his wife Rachel moved from Texas to Maryland in 2005. We are a close knit family so saying goodbye was understandably difficult. I miss my brother and sister. I’m grateful for any time we get to spend together, but we’re all just doing our best to follow Jesus and raise our kids. Our conversations are few and far between, but I know at any moment we can pick up wherever we left off. Although I’m sad that our families do not get to be together regularly, I’ve seen God’s hand at work in both of our lives and I’m convinced we’re exactly where He wants us.    It’s evident that God had a purpose in His plans despite the distance and seeing how he uses us in our individual places brings me much joy.    That joy comes from  realization that a our love for each other has little to do with us, but EVERYTHING to do with our love for God. It’s no longer temporary. It’s eternal. Whatever time we get here is a gift, but we get to look forward to spen...