Jesus, Coffee, and Naps

“The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14, The Message) I love how Eugene Peterson paraphrases this passage of scripture. As a long time follower of Christ, I have experienced seasons when I followed Him at a distance or so closely the dust of the Rabbi, gathered on my clothing. Jesus being fully God and fully man (Colossians 2:9) allows me to understand that He knows what it is like to suffer and better yet, He can do something about it. J

Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a prominent Christian speaker and preacher in Europe and America. He was a minister to the missionaries. One day in 1895 while suffering from back pain, (the result from thrown from a cart in South Africa) Murray penned these words of encouragement in his journal: In Time of Trouble Say: By Andrew Murray First, He brought me here; It is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love, and gi

Written by April Dawn White Over the chatter of the opposing team, my daughter overhears the coach call her name. Rachel jogs from left field to receive instruction. Although, I cannot hear the conversation, I can see his action. The coach has called Rachel in as the relief pitcher. Rachel approaches the mound and throws a few warm up pitches. Andrew, her brother, runs to the mound to deliver her face mask (a required piece of equipment). Rachel shakes her head from side to s

I pull on my favorite JMU sweatshirt, elbowing the tiny faucets at the corners of my eyes. Tears trickle down my face.  Eager to pitch, Rachel pounds her fist in her mitt.  Wearing a determined game face, she appears older than ten and a half. Rachel tosses a glove in my direction. This is my glove, the one I’ve owned since I was a teen. I stare at soft leather glove as if it is a foreign object.  Slipping it onto my left hand I examine the look. Rachel counts out thirty pace

My phone buzzes with a Google notification. I am irked by the reminder that I should be working 8-5 pm today.  I’m on a medical leave of absence. Daily paralysis and muscle weakness prevents me from working. I am annoyed and frustrated. I have worked since I was fifteen years old. I am a first born, type-A personality. I am wired to work and to be productive. My job is measured in productivity. As a pharmacist, I’m evaluated on how many prescriptions I’ve filled, how many imm

February 29, 2016. Does today’s date appear odd to you? It’s leap year! Today is a bonus day. I have an exceptional gift for you on this extraordinary day.  Writer, singer, and friend Sonia Hancock speaks from place of humble authenticity. Today she shares a special word of encouragement for those facing a great trial. She shared this with me last week and it was too good to keep to myself. I pray this reaches the tender marrow of your heart as it did mine. ~April Faith Sifte

Written by April Dawn White Stop! Before you read anymore please click play the song Good, Good Father. Let the song play in the background and please continue reading. When sorrow like sea billows roll, praise and gratitude move God’s hand to push back the dark clouds. Good, Good Father, a song written by Pat Barrett and Tony Brown of Housefires, soothes the aching soul. This week, this song has helped to push back the swirling clouds of darkness in my mind. Each time I sing

D In the movie, the bratty character, Veruca Salt, is famous for stomping, “But I want an Oompa Loompa now!” I soon realized, I’m guilty of mimicking Veruca Salt, stomping refusing to wait for another appointment and further testing.  I want to know what’s wrong with me now! I told a friend, “I trust God. I trust that He has a plan for me; a good plan for hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).However, I have a limited amount of paid time off. I need God to provide answers so I c

By April Dawn White What do you do when you don’t see any results? Keep marching! Obedience is my responsibility. Outcomes are God’s responsibility. —Steven Furtick When doubt and inadequacy creeps in; when I see no progress being made, I return to the story of Joshua and Jericho. My summary of Joshua and Jericho in Joshua Chapter Six: The Lord tells Joshua “See I have delivered Jericho into your hands.” As instructed by God, Joshua and his men marched around the city once a

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:4, NIV) In the 1965 production of The Sound of Music, Fraulein Maria brings fun and joy to the Von Trapp family by song and dance. Her cheerful demeanor wins the heart of seven mischievous children and their heartbroken father. Maria lifts the spirits of the children by encouraging them to sing a list their favorite things. As I type these words, images of Fraulein Maria jumping on t