Into the Deep – Jen Coito: Ignatius at Home

Just a few extras

This post appeared in a series on “The Need is the Call” responding to the question: What if I can’t find a way to use my gifts? When I dump out the 500 pieces of a new puzzle, the colors and shapes all jumble together. All the pieces are there but the picture those piecesContinue reading “Just a few extras”

Resisting Forgiveness

“I’m holding down the sand!” My daughter stamped down the shifting beach sand with all her might, trying to keep the waves from pulling it away. Her desperate attempts to contain the earth beneath her feet has become an image of my own desire for control. I struggle to analyze and understand, to force clarityContinue reading “Resisting Forgiveness”

PREGNANT PAUSE

You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. – James 5:8 During pregnancy everyone (and their mother) feels the need to offer all kinds of advice, from what to eat to what to name the baby. I politely ignored all the people who criticized myContinue reading “PREGNANT PAUSE “

Donuts for Dinner (and other ways the False Spirit Works)

The clock hands keep moving later and later. I step on a monster truck and trip into the couch. Six times before dinner, two times after dinner, and another three times before bedtime. That is how many times I asked for help cleaning up the toys. I want to throw up my hands and exclaimContinue reading “Donuts for Dinner (and other ways the False Spirit Works)”

Sustaining Hope in the Midst of Anxiety

Afflicted “There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly.” Mark 5:25-26 My anxiety is hemorrhaging out of me. Over time I have learned to deal with my triggers in more effective ways. But some days, like today, it hemorrhages. It bleeds into my prayer, it floods my mind, itContinue reading “Sustaining Hope in the Midst of Anxiety”

Imaginary Squirrels

“It’s a little harder for me to hike down because I am carrying a squirrel.” When my sister explained the trouble my daughter was having with this “squirrel” she was carrying, my husband helpfully recommended the squirrel sit on her shoulder so she’d have both hands free. Unfortunately, the “squirrel” kept slipping off her shouldersContinue reading “Imaginary Squirrels”

Chapel of No

This post appeared as part of a series on Belonging featured on the Into the Deep Blog. It was “No.” As clear as day. I had prayed for an answer, and I heard the “No”. I wanted it to be yes… so, so, so badly. I was devastated. I remember the place, the people, theContinue reading “Chapel of No”