Back to the drawing board

My, it has been way to long since I’ve written! So much has happened. We raised some money for Nathaniel’s Hope at Christmas time, got lost in the never-ending Minnesota winter, went on a family vacation, then COVID and everything that came with being a doctor in the midst of that.

But our world definitely did not stop turning. In the midst of all that craziness, we went back to the drawing board and wrote our second book. Isaiah helped with proofing again, making sure everything actually made sense. This time, Esther insisted to also be a part of it! You’ll find her artistic input on every page, putting her whole “heart” into it.

We also added some familiar faces to the cover… can anyone tell who is who?? :) On every page, you will find a hidden treasure - our new logo! Our new illustrator is phenomenal - we are really looking forward to working together again.

We expect it to be available sometime in the next month!! It is called “From the Heart” for a few reasons:

1) All of the ten verses explained have idioms about the heart;

2) We put our hearts into this book;

3) We want to share God’s love from within our own hearts with everyone.

I want to leave you for now with this verse, one from our new book:

Proverbs 17:22 ~ A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

This time can be quite difficult and weary for many reasons, but when we focus on being joyful and thankful, we will then feel so much better. Avoid falling down the rabbit hole of sorrow and despair - find something even small to thank God for!

Blessing NOT in disguise

Originally posted 4 June 2019…

Friends! This is my first ever blog – never did I imagine I would be writing a blog, let alone a book! God works in incredibly mysterious ways. I’ve been thinking a lot about what to write (and please send me ideas). I thought it would be fun to start off with an idiom each time. Here goes everything…

Blessing NOT in disguise

Some time ago, I was going through a rough time in life. Crazy unexpected life transition, new baby, lifelong dream unraveled before my eyes, and a child diagnosed with something that would be a challenge for the rest of his life. It was painful. But through the darkness, a close friend reminded me to count my blessings. I did, and I realized there were too many to count. And they were all right in front of me the whole time. My amazing husband, my adorable children, a great job with wonderful coworkers, awesome and supportive friends and family, neighbors that are so easy to love, and the promise that God would never leave me. And it didn’t stop there.

We often talk about blessings in disguise. I feel that it is just a matter of perspective. While all of my blessings seemed hidden initially, as soon as I opened my eyes and chose to see them, they were right in front of me. Never hidden, always there. When we moved back from Cameroon a few years ago, I often asked God what my purpose was because I had always thought serving overseas was just that. But that was stripped away. But isn’t it funny how God works? If we didn’t move back home, I am sure Isaiah and I would never have pursued this book project. And now, because of it, we can help so many other people understand God’s Word better. And that is just one more blessing no longer in disguise.

I challenge you, just as I was, to count your blessings. Choose to see your circumstances in a positive light. I bet you will also start to see that they are innumerable.

My bucket list

Originally posted 11 June 2019…

I’ve recently been asked if I wrote a book to cross it off of my bucket list. Nope. Writing a book was as close to being on my bucket list as running a full marathon. And anyone who knows me also knows I do not run (unless it’s during a code blue at work – I make that exception). Writing a book was never supposed to happen. Literature and composition classes were my absolute least favorite of all my courses. And I’m a true nerd, so that is saying something. There are plenty of other things on my imaginary bucket list that I’ve completed, and many more that I have yet to accomplish. And the list seems to keep getting longer. Does anyone else have that problem? The more life I’ve experienced, the more I want to do.

But what does the term “bucket list” even mean? Where did it come from? It turns out it originates from the phrase “kick the bucket” – literally from when the bucket holding someone’s feet up while being hanged got kicked out from under them. Morbid. (But isn’t it crazy how so many of our sayings originate from negative ideas, like the lyrics of several nursery rhymes? Eek.)

Enough about this idiom’s dark origin. I prefer more pleasant topics.   The concept of a bucket list eventually evolved into the list of things one desires to accomplish prior to the end of one’s life. Creating your bucket list is a great way to realize what your life’s dreams and priorities are, and it helps you steer back in that direction if you’ve gone off course for a while. Of course, then the bucket list may change to accommodate a new path, and that’s ok too.

So what is actually on my bucket list? The ones accomplished thus far include skydiving, graduating from medical school, serving in a hospital overseas, hiking the Grand Canyon…  As crazy as it sounds, one of the ones not yet checked off is joining a world traveling orchestra. This has been on my list from the very beginning. And I’m sure it will stay there. How cool would that be?? Seeing the world, and getting to play my flute all at the same time – two of my greatest passions. Too many other things must take priority first – like raising my kids to love God and love others. No biggie. But someday…

What is on your bucket list? Better yet, is there something on your list that would surprise folks in your life?

A breath of fresh air

Originally posted 24 July 2019…

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR – a refreshing or invigorating change

This past weekend, our family finally made it up to the cabin. It had been too long. Finding the time to escape and relax can be so difficult! Especially when you have to pack up the kids, toys, food, bug spray (LOTS of bug spray…), sunscreen, and who knows what else. Followed by 5 hours of “Are we there yet? Are we half way there yet? How about 3/4 the way there?” and every possible variation of that dreaded question. But then we arrived. And it was a breath of fresh air, literally. Surrounded by trees, lake, clear blue skies, perfect weather. And no cell service. That part is quite refreshing, actually. (Let’s forget about the reunion with the mosquitos for the moment…)

We explored nature, ate wild raspberries, chased frogs, went fishing, tried out our *new-to-us* four-wheeler, and swam in the lake. All while spending time with family. It was also a weekend of firsts. I figured this year has been a continuous run of firsts, so why not add more to the list? So I learned how to kayak. It was a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. I could have spent all day exploring and sitting on the lake. I was at peace. Seeing God’s creation in its natural form was refreshing. Loons calling, eagles nesting, fish swimming, and none of the usual calls (phone, work and otherwise) that preoccupy my mind back home. I was able to reset, remember what (rather who) was most important to me – first God, then family, friends, and others.

Now we are back in the groove, but with a refreshed perspective on life. My house will probably get disorganized occasionally (I just keep telling myself “it’s ok” on repeat), laundry will continue to pile up, and dishes will be waiting to be cleaned. But then I will remember that instead I spent that time with God and my family and friends. And perhaps I will need to go get that breath of fresh air – literally – more often.

How do you get a breath of fresh air?

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Originally posted 12 Aug 2019…

We sing this song at church on a regular basis. But seriously. Can you visualize this literally? The questions that follow…

Does the heart have eyes???

How do you open a heart? I thought only cardiac surgeons did that.

Doesn’t that make you die if you try to open a heart? It needs to be closed up again, right?

If I added this to my next book on idioms, I can only imagine the visual aid we’d draw. Yikes – a heart opening up like it has a mouth and eyes on it. Creepy. But maybe kind of cool….

At least this time the song goes on to explain itself:

I want to see You high and lifted up, shining in the light of Your glory. More figurative language, but probably easier to understand. (I originally typed grasp – then realized that would be yet another idiom…)

It is so easy to be blinded to God’s awesomeness with all that we have distracting us every day. Seeing God requires an emotional connection with and awareness of Him. How do we do this? We must be intentional. Choose to see how He shows us His glory. Spend time with him every day. Instead of just making it through to the end of the day, look for those precious moments, big or small, that God has given you. What’s that other idiom? Oh – stop and smell the roses. God created those for us to stop, smell, and reflect on His creation.

What are some of your precious moments?

Nourishment for the soul

Originally posted 10 Sep 2019…

Psalm 34:8 – Taste and see that the LORD is good!

As a pediatrician, I monitor growth and development of children. While most children grow at a normal pace, others have a more difficult time staying on track. Sometimes this is due to an underlying medical condition, but it can also be due to lack of good nutrition. This is directly linked to poorer educational outcomes. And children who have special needs tend to have an even higher risk of malnutrition. Typically, once a child receives proper nutrition, they start to grow again. Their ability to learn and succeed in school also improves.

But what about malnutrition of your soul? Why do we so often neglect to nourish this equally important part of our being? I am currently preparing to speak at a ministry conference next month, specifically about how to better include children with special needs in the church. As part of my preparation, I am reading the book, “Every Child Welcome” by Katie Wetherbee and Jolene Philo. It is a ministry handbook for including kids with special needs. The entire book is based on the comparison of youth ministry to preparing to have company over for dinner. Every child, whether healthy or not, needs constant nourishment to their body and their soul in order to develop properly. The more I research this topic, the more I find that families with children with special needs are often the ones neglected (though unintentionally) by the church. And these families – just as with physical malnutrition – are often the ones in even more need of spiritual nourishment. One part of the book especially impacted me:

“Just as we create a menu to accommodate dietary restrictions, we must be sure that our children’s ministry activities accommodate the unique needs of the children in our care…. We increase the likelihood that they’ll digest the important concepts we are presenting…. We want to increase their knowledge and nourish their souls.”

And then I was again reminded that, if I hope to be the one to help nourish children’s souls, my soul better be nourished. Just as a malnourished mom cannot produce effective milk for her baby, I cannot be appropriately equipped to help every child grow in God’s love unless I have been fed first. Boom.

How are you being fed by God? How are you preparing to be used by God to nourish others?

Running the Race of Life

Originally posted 17 Sep 2019…

Hebrews 12:1b – And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

School has started! Let’s be honest, I may be a bit more excited about this than my children. I love them dearly, but resuming routine and having time to actually get things done has been wonderful (I guess we know where Isaiah got that trait). And the time we do have together is even more precious than before. With the start of school also starts a fundraising race our local district puts on every year. For the next week, they learn important lessons, such as how to be a strong leader. The week finishes with running 30 laps. They spend 7 days preparing for this race. They raise money, learn important aspects of teamwork, leadership, hard work, etc. This all happens before the race even starts. And then they have an awesome celebration party at the end, with prizes for the participants.

It got me thinking. Life is a marathon, just like the race my children are preparing for right now. God has given us an instruction manual for how to succeed in this race. Have we prepared for this race? Are we learning how to be leaders, part of a team, serving others, working hard? It is all right there in our manual. Or are we moving along (likely in the wrong direction or in circles) trying to figure it out on our own?

Some days, I just want to stop and take a break. And that is ok, too. I need a breather occasionally – sometimes to take my inhaler because I overdid it and forgot to pace myself. Other times because I got off track and need to refocus towards the goal. No, really. I have a tendency to trip. 

And did you ever realize the verse above purposely states the race is MARKED for us? If we just open our eyes, we can follow the path laid out before us, one step at a time. Hallelujah. I don’t need to try and figure that part out.

And the best part of all – we get to have the best party ever in the end, along with prizes. Just like the celebration the children at school get at the end of their race next week. We will celebrate for all eternity with our number one Leader, along with the rest of our team. 

Like Dory says, “Just keep swimming,” we should just keep running, running, running.

Gut feeling

Originally posted 24 Sep 2019…

Intuition is a powerful thing. 

Whenever I am working in the hospital, you will typically find me at the head of the newborn resuscitation table, awaiting the arrival of a new baby. Often, I can tell immediately if a baby will do just fine or if they will need some support now (or even a bit later), even if the baby immediately looks pink and started to cry. I can feel it in my gut. It is difficult to explain where this comes from, except that maybe over the past 13 years of caring for newborns, I’ve learned how to tell when something just isn’t quite right. And maybe God is whispering to me when to pay more attention. No matter why it happens, I am so grateful for that gut feeling. It has helped me provide quick and effective interventions for many babies over the years.

But where does the phrase “gut feeling” come from? While sometimes I actually have a weird sensation in my abdomen, it isn’t there every single time the hunch occurs. It turns out that the idea that emotions originate in the gut is an ancient one. And it is becoming even more accepted today. Science has shown that there are nerve cells in our gut that play a part in our emotion and intuition. In fact, we now know that the gut can release serotonin and other hormones at a rapid-fire pace. This is likely why our gut literally promotes our brains to react so quickly, leading to intuition or the gut feeling. I LOVE SCIENCE!!!!!

So I guess this idiom is in fact literal as well. Go figure.

5-Star Book Review from KidMin!

Originally posted 2 Oct 2019…

KidzMatter Magazine recently gave “How Can God Be A Rock?” a 5-Star Review!

“Not Only will this guide book help children navigate complicated figures of speech used in the Bible, but it will also help deepen a child’s understanding of God’s Word, making the Bible come alive for them!”

“How Can God Be A Rock?” is also a great resource for children learning English as their second language!

Cover your bases

Originally posted 16 Oct 2019…

In our family, Chick-Fil-A has a special place in our hearts. I mean, the service is amazing. We’ve even picked up on some of their habits, like saying, “My pleasure” instead of “no problem”. Did you know the employees are specifically trained to say that? Even the smallest detail is looked at. But I digress. We were short on time and running around town prior to Isaiah’s soccer practice, so we stopped by Chick-Fil-A for dinner. One of their posters advertised that they are “Covering their bases,” with a bunch of nuggets placed in the shape home plate from baseball (yay, idioms!!). Isaiah asked if it was an idiom and what it actually meant, because putting a bunch of chicken on home plate would be ridiculous.

In baseball, someone on defense is always assigned to each base in order to keep the offensive team from scoring a run. If a base is not “covered,” then it can be stolen, or an opportunity to get the offensive runner out has been lost. It is a way to secure that the offensive team will not gain more points.

We use it idiomatically when we have prepared for every possible outcome in a particular situation. Us Type-A individuals tend to do this *too* well. We prepare for all of the “What ifs” that may come. When we pack for vacation, I have long sleeves, short sleeves, dresses, shorts, tennis shoes, sandals, extra undergarments, every possible over the counter (and several prescription) medications packed just in case someone gets sick. If somebody else forgot something, I typically have an extra they can use. I have covered all my bases, and some other people’s bases, too (yes, I know I have issues).

I have to admit that occasionally I get jealous of those who just get up and go. No overthinking or analyzing, no overpreparing, no worrying about every potential outcome… Don’t get me wrong, it is so satisfying being prepared. But there should be more of a balance. My dad always said, “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.” Do what you can to cover the bases you see, but don’t worry about the ones out of your view or those that simply can’t be reached. And never forget that God has already covered all of our bases for us.

In other words, God has got us covered. We should let go and let God.

No strings attached

Originally posted 23 Oct 2019…

Oh my goodness, I now have old school N*Sync in my head now! Ah, the good (or not so good?) old days…. Although it’s probably better not to relive that time.

Where did the phrase “No strings attached” come from?

I imagine actual strings connecting items together, making them hard to separate. But it actually comes from a tradition in the 18th century. Merchants selling fabric would attach a string at the bottom of a bolt of fabric if there was a flaw. When a tailor would purchase the fabric and wanted it flawless, they would ask for one with “no strings attached.” It turns out this is still a custom done today.

These days the phrase is used to imply that the proposed action or item will be given without expecting anything in return. Basically it is a true gift.

Christmas is coming faster than I could have anticipated, a time filled with gift-giving. Often, we forget about the Ultimate Gift due to all of the hustle and bustle that distracts us so easily. Before the season even starts, let’s remember to focus on the one true gift God gave us, flawless, no strings attached.

Running out of gas

Originally written 30 Oct 2019…

Isaiah and his cars. He is absolutely obsessed!! Even down to the gas tank size of each car, truck, motorcycle…. I can’t keep up. He even has Esther learning car makes and models. Our drives are definitely entertaining, to say the least.  One thing that is the same for all types of cars is that eventually they run out of gas (or electricity or whatever). They need to be refueled to keep going. We are the same.

Whether it refers to sleep at night to refuel for the next day, or some quiet time with God, or both… we have to stop and take a break to fill up before continuing on our journey. But that’s also just as important to remember – you have to STOP to refuel. Even during a car race, cars pause to fill up their tanks before zooming off again. So often I catch myself cheating on this and trying to cram in my “quiet time” while driving to work, at the gym, driving to band practice…. But then we aren’t truly getting the best out of that time we should have completely set aside.

If we keep going without stopping, we will break down. Remember Lightning McQueen in the first Cars movie? He thought he was strong and capable enough to skip changing tires and refueling. He could have won if he just took a few extra seconds delay. Instead, it cost him that race’s victory.

Let’s take a challenge to actually STOP, refuel with God, as well as with our family, and reconnect. It will make everything better in the end.