A Conversation with God on Trust

Imagine with me a hypothetical conversation between me and my dear Father, Jesus Christ.  God: "So you want a husband and 2.5 kids... soon? Perhaps a lake cabin and a boat later on. And maybe you'd like to go back to school to get a degree in education? You want to get a good paying job to pay off all your student loans, buy a house, and become financially set? Or go get that training to be a volunteer physical therapist working with those suffering from Parkinsons...

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The winds of change

Ahhh, it's been far too long since I've sat down to write anything. Some of that's due to an incredibly busy schedule leading up to my departure of the west coast (best coast.) Lately it's been due to, well, not wanting to be open and write what I'm thinking and feeling. The winds of change blow constant in my life, whether they're 100 mph storm winds or a 15 mph breeze. Sometimes I face the wind in my stubbornness, reluctant to resist to its pushing, and sometimes I...

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Redwoods Relaxation and Santa Cruzin' PCH

The countdown is on to just over 4 weeks before I start my trek back to the homeland. Knowing that countdown will soon be over, I took the Purdy's up on their offer to join them in their home in the redwoods of California. Like, literally in the redwoods. Thanks to the Purdy's for their warm and gracious hospitality.  It was by far the most relaxing vacation I've had in a long time, and though it was only for an extended weekend, it was exactly what I needed....

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There and back again - a Hannah's Tale

2 years ago I sat on the shore of a lake, earnestly praying for God's will to open up to me. And as I scribbled scripture and thoughts into my journal at that picnic table, I listed out three cities. Three places I could move to. What I heard was, “Go west young (wo)man.”  That decision quickly became the biggest leap of faith I’d ever taken. It was 1500 miles away from family, friends, and most of everything I’ve ever known, and though I wasn’t moving to a completely...

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30 Years

My incredible parents have been married 30 years today. They've spent their entire marriage devoted to ministry in one way or another. It's been a struggle sometimes to be a part of a "ministry family," but I honestly am so grateful God placed me in this family. I really would not be who I am today without the parents I was blessed with. In honor of 30 years of marriage and 27 years of parenting, I thought I'd give you some of my favorite stories a couple of their...

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Christianity is being hijacked

Ask a surfer about the movie "Blue Crush" and you'll get an earful on how it was so unrealistic. Ask a professional driver about the Fast & Furious movies and you'll hear over and over that drifting like that doesn't quite work like that. (Not to mention F&F6 required a runway 10 times longer than the longest runway in the world.) Ask a politician about the show "House of Cards" or "Scandal" and…well…President Obama cleared that up. Their lives were hijacked...

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The Driving Force

In 1940, Martin Nodell and Bill Finger introduced the world to DC Comic's newest hero, The Green Lantern. Though it's gone through a series of hiatuses, the comic has ultimately produced 5 volumes, which are still being produced today. In volume 4, after a controversial editorial decision, Hal Jordan, our hero-turned-villain-turned-hero again faces his demon - a parasitic embodiment of fear. That volume and volume 5 were later used as the plotline for the latest Green...

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Real Life, Real Mugs

Life with my favorite mug, compliments of my girl Ashley. #cariboucoffee #MinnesotaGirl We have a favorite saying at the church office that goes "real life, real mugs." Basically, we believe real life demands a real mug. There's something soothing about holding a warm mug, gently sipping life away. Along with the real mugs comes the real life. Unfortunately, our lives aren't the pinteresty, instagrammed or tweet-worthy moments all the time. My life has changed quite...

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You know you're a pastor's kid when

You know you're a pastor's kid when.... You or your siblings are frequently an illustration point in the sermon. You are frequently "asked" to read scripture, sing, play piano, harmonica, or the recorder for every special service, as well as most offertories. Basically everyone in the church knows you by name. Your family is the 1st to arrive at church and the last to leave after what seemed like 40 hours of "goodbyes." After you move away and begin being a pastor's kid at some other church, you go back to the other church and feel slightly...

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f a v o r i t e s

BOOK: Wiser than Serpents by Susan May Warren. PLACE IN THE HOUSE: The blue striped couch in our living room, in front of the fireplace and our beautiful  french doors to our back yard. PLACE TO CREATE: In a coffee shop. WAY TO HEAL: journaling, walking and praying. FORM OF RELAXATION: Drinking tea while being completely absorbed in a good book. PLACE IN THE WORLD: In the woods, on the lake in Northern Minnesota. FOOD: Chocolate TOOL: a drill...

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