Brownie mixes, REESE’S cups, Stove Top packets, cans of green chiles, peppermint candy canes and so many other goodies were piled on tables and chairs in the hotel conference room. The abundance of these goodies that had mostly been donated by supporters and church families felt overwhelming — a good overwhelming. I couldn’t wait to … Continue reading Crafted by His hands and heart

Sweaty and thirsty from an early morning run, I continued driving home to get cleaned up and begin the work day. Stopped at the light, I stared at the hues of pink and purple as they crept slowly over the treetops. The early morning runs had become darker. I missed seeing the sunrise. I held up my … Continue reading Chasing the sunrise

Friends, somehow it is now September. Does anyone else think that is insane? This summer has involved a ton of hard work. I don't have a tan. I don't have pics from a beach vacation. And I can't say I have relaxed a ton. However, I can say I'm closer to my first book. At … Continue reading i “heart” the ride

When have you experienced a sweet "yes!" amidst a series of "no!"s? For me, this journey has felt like a forest full of no's, not-yets, not enough, not now. When you're in the thick of it all it's difficult to find the path out. Can you relate? All praise to God, the Father of our … Continue reading yes!!

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