I’m a surefire pessimist. Just ask my optimist husband. I wasn’t finding one ray of beauty this Illinois 6-below season—but I needed to. Needed a big shot of reality for my declining attitude. With two solid months of wild winds, slippery ice, gray skies ahead it’s already a struggle not to feel depressed. The loss... Continue Reading →
I’ve little interest in Christmas. I’m excited about Christ. If it were up to me, we wouldn’t have a tree. But I love the man who carries this stuff up. Meticulously picking each piece out. Humming and singing as he goes. Gathering and printing addresses. Stamping and mailing cheer wishes. Though not about presents and... Continue Reading →
Demons of depression chased me home. Hurrying, I pressed into the door. Before turning the handle, I rushed to Jesus, Whisper Your sweet everythings into my ears. The one way the raised in Christ endure in all this dust and ash is praying in spirit and truth. God knows I want to fight my own fights.... Continue Reading →
When I was 17, it was 1981. At home pregnancy tests were not well known, but I knew I was pregnant before he drove me to the doctor. We’d discussed what I would do if this should ever happen months ago under the moon. (It’s not as though we were oblivious to the fire we... Continue Reading →
The sun stayed up till eight o’clock last night. My front yard is bloomin’ pink petals and last year’s perennials. I’m watching tree buds turn into shoots. Coiled leaves uncurl like a newborn fist. Soft and supple, every lobe carefully carved. Form and color quietly march in right before my eyes. Sparrows and finches fill... Continue Reading →
My identity was faked on Facebook. A bunch of my friends were used as pawns for pillaging. It’s so creepy. I'm so sorry. My picture smiling, hovering over videos concocted to coax and confiscate. Thieves advancing right along with technology. Though confidentiality clauses and privacy policies plaster everything we sign, code, or chip—they're finding new... Continue Reading →
Kneeling at my bedside, pressing palms together, I followed Mom’s lead to pray. “God bless your father, your brothers and sister,” she would say, and I repeat. Greatness is found on our knees. Like nothing else I ever did as a kid, stopping and speaking to God sounded like an opportunity—the chance of a lifetime.... Continue Reading →
I struggle with prayer. I've said this before. I talk to God all day. I ask Him for everything I need. I praise Him, and believe Him, and I trust Him implicitly. (Thank you Jesus)The prayer I want, and do not have, is the prayer Jesus demonstrates and teaches me about. I'm talkin the secluded,... Continue Reading →
Five years ago I stepped off the court. I was concerned that I would not have enough activity in my life to stay trim. I asked the Lord to help me eat only what my body needed to be strong and healthy. I started walking for exercise and pleasure. I learned to cook. I became... Continue Reading →
JoAnn Downs Alo 