God

As a new mom, I sometimes find the "mom" part of me defining my days, while the "wife" part of me has to take a backseat at times. Thankfully, my mother-in-law, Maria, who is from Romania, is living with my husband and me for a while. She has helped us tremendously with caring for our new little boy, Evan Christian, who was born on July 6.

Meditate on these passages for a moment:

I've been asking two questions of myself, and of other people, lately.

"Then what?"

"Now what?"

For me, these two questions get at the heart of ministry, evangelism, and growth in Christ. These questions push past the easy answers and reveal the processes that effect change, sanctify, and propel us towards a deeper love for, and faith in, God.

When I was a kid, safety looked like the approval in my mom’s eye as she looked over my homework. It tasted like the crust-less peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches lovingly prepared by my grandma’s hands. Calm and comfort sounded like Daddy’s chatter-whistles as he called squirrels over for us to feed in the park. Safety felt like the heft and softness of my down comforter, right after my parents tucked me in, kissed my on the forehead, and turned my nightlight on.

"If we lose cabin pressure, please put on your oxygen mask before assisting others."