Today marks three years post stem-cell transplant. My parents surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that included three Gerber daisies to celebrate my cell's third birthday! This morning I worshiped with my church congregation and sang about how the Resurrected King is resurrecting me. Think about this story: When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell … Continue reading hope delayed?

One by one, I picked up the stones. I held each one, examining it for all of its unique characteristics. What did this stone tell me about its Creator? What did this stone tell me about the journey it had taken? Were the edges rough, were they smooth, were there cracks, were there marks? Then … Continue reading memorial stones

Dear Mr. Power Port, Today, we say good-bye. When they put you in six years ago, I was so nervous. I didn't know what this new journey meant and why you needed to come along. However, you did make my journey more bearable and for that I'm forever grateful. You swallowed some pretty nasty chemo, but … Continue reading A letter to my port

I only have time for a brief hello, however, I want to let you know more is coming. God is doing a fresh work in me. He is refining me and growing me. All I shared in 2015 about a book project and sharing my story is still on the horizon. He's tuning me. I … Continue reading time for a tune-up

Nehemiah. Today we'd call him a secret service officer to King Artaxerxes in 445 B.C. He tasted the king's wine to make sure it wasn't poisoned. Every day he risked his life for the sake of the king. I've never met him, but he feels like an old friend. His story inspires my story. And if you've followed this … Continue reading 3 questions I’d like to ask a former secret service officer

This continues to touch my heart. I'd like to pass on another story from Vienna. This is tandem living. Connecting to the heart of Jesus as He leads a family to love those God brings across their path. I will get back to updates about my book writing, but for now, this is more important. These … Continue reading blessed to be a blessing – stories from the refugee crisis in Europe

We've seen news coverage in the U.S. However, many times events like the refugee crisis in Europe don't impact our daily lives. These people aren't in our backyards. They are an ocean away. This is why I want to take you into the story of a dear family who are also close friends of mine. Read how God … Continue reading one family’s story of welcoming refugees to Vienna

It's been two weeks into this monumental goal of completing my first draft by the end of October. And I'm already struggling . . . Any strugglers out there? I enjoy this journey of walking down streets of the past, but it's still difficult and emotional and takes a lot of energy. My Friday writing time was spent … Continue reading 4 ways to Labor your Day in prayer

I noticed the other day, I am quite fast at packing a suitcase. I have this mental list which takes me through an entire day of what I'd need if I simply stayed home. However, when you're headed somewhere different from home, it's not always easy to know what to pack. Last Friday, I began a 60-day journey. … Continue reading 8 items to pack for an unknown destination