Author: Barbara

My passion is to encourage women wherever they are on their life journey. In everything I write and in every opportunity to speak, my goal is to offer hope. May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV

Lord, I Depend on your Grace

~ Barbara ~ 4 Comments

Thank you for your title suggestions! I’m preparing to speak at a breakfast for grieving parents in PA this Saturday so I’ve not made a final decision—but you will be the first to know. Today’s post is a sample from the yet unnamed book. The accompanying passage is 2 Cor. 12:7b-10.

 Day 38

Lord, I Depend on your Grace

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession.

2 Corinthians 2:14a

I have thorns. They are afflictions from my loss, throbbing reminders of what no longer is. They prickle and pain me, sharp mementos of a tragedy I can’t undo. If I find a comfortable position they are quick to pierce my peace and, like old injuries, they throb in stormy conditions. I have prayed for them to be removed, but God tells me the same thing He told Paul, “My grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

What does sufficient grace look like? It is strength when I’m bone-weary. It is peace when I’m disordered. It is contentment when I stop striving. It is one more step on a path I never wanted to walk. It is offering words of comfort from the well within me. I have enough grace for God to radiate from me and reveal Jesus.

God’s grace lifted me from bed in my lowest days. It propelled me out the door when I wanted to hide. It enabled me to smile in darkness and stand in a crowd. That may not sound like a triumphal procession, but they are my victories and could only be realized through grace.

I will press on—by God’s grace. I will grow strong—by God’s grace. And at the end of my life’s journey, I will join the triumphal procession to glories I now vaguely imagine. And so will you. We will be thorn-free and forever tell of the grace that carried us home.

Help me Create a Title

~ Barbara ~ 14 Comments

Help me Create a Title

This picture is only a mock-up of a possible cover for my new book. I need your help to settle on a title. I wrote 60 devotional meditations because I felt that my book, I was Broken, Too, wasn’t enough for those in the thick of their struggle. They need someone to whisper in their ear for at least two months, reminding them they can get through this, God is there to strengthen them, and He has a future for them.

I want to come alongside these unknown friends and say, “I was there and I couldn’t imagine a future either, but God brought me through and He’ll do the same for you.”

I’ve become so hung up on the title that I have lost objectivity, so I’m looking to you for feedback. Here are 4 suggestions but I’m open. What do you think?

  • Walking Broken
  • Facing Brokenness
  • Hope in the Valley
  • Beyond Heartbreak

I Love Spring

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

I love to watch the unfolding of spring as I search for glimpses of green on barren branches.

I love the discovery of purple and white crocuses breaking through winter’s softened soil.

I love spring’s early, bright yellow greeters—the swaying forsythia  and bobbing daffodils.

I love longer days, warmer walks, and calmer breezes.

I love the excitement of spotting my first robin and the expectation of goldfinches and hummingbirds.

I love the greening of the grass and the promise of garden produce, local and fresh.

I love peepers chirping their spring welcome, even when their cacophony begins to grate.

I love packing away my winterwear in exchange for pastels and lightweight wraps.

I love seeing children on their bikes and hearing them laugh on playgrounds.

I love the spectacular appearance of pink cherry blossoms and magnificent magnolias.

I love outdoor gatherings, firepit conversations, and rocking on the front porch.

I love God’s creation of seasons and that New Jersey gloriously displays each one.

He changes times and seasons…

Daniel 2:21

Mary, the Mourning Mother

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

Mary did you know that your baby boy… Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy… Will soon deliver you.*

Mary had direct conversation with an angel and was told her son would be the Son of God who would reign forever, but we don’t know the depth of Mary’s understanding. She knew enough to tell Jesus they ran out of wine at the wedding in Cana. She told the servants to do whatever He told them. What as she expecting—then, and as His ministry grew?

She heard Jesus teach and saw Him heal. She was aware of His popularity and unusual lifestyle. Did she understand where this was leading? Or was she, like the disciples, expecting Him to bring about an earthly change?

Mary gave birth to Jesus, raised Him, watched Him work in Joseph’s shop. She followed His ministry, as any mother would. She also followed Him to the cross. How could she abide the cruelty, mockery, and suffering? Still, she watched, wouldn’t you? What was she hoping for?

None of us would choose to suffer as Mary did. And none of us have to, even if we’ve also lost a child. The anguish of that day subdues all grief by its eternal hope. We are saved for a future without tears or sorrow, a forever filled with joy and peace. Because of heaven’s perfect Lamb, Mary’s grief, and ours, will be dispelled. Mourning mothers and all believers in Christ will, with dried tears, one day rule the nations with Him, the Lord of all creation.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?

*“Mary, Did You Know?” Songwriters: Mark Lowry / Buddy Greene