Life’s storms linger but won’t last forever. A friend clung to this truth when one hardship after another struck her. First, her infant son became ill and died. She was still reeling when life-threatening illnesses hit several extended family members, and her husband lost his job. She felt like she was living in Job’s… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: life aboard a sailboat
Be on Guard When Life Takes a Detour
What does it mean to be on guard when life takes a detour? Eight months after receiving “guard” as my focus word for 2022, I’m beginning to appreciate its relevance to my life in ways I hadn’t imagined. “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong,” says (NLT). In times past,… [ read more ]
When the Storm Strikes
It was a September day, and Sailor-Man and I were boating back from Campbell River, BC after attending a friend’s memorial service. And then it happened: the sky blackened. Ominous clouds rolled in. The wind picked up and began whipping waves into froth. Thankfully, we’d seen the storm coming and had time to prepare, but… [ read more ]
Finding Strength to Soar
Sailor-Man and I live within sight of a nest that houses a pair of bald eagles. A few days ago, I caught a close-up of the birds in flight. The sight of these feathered majesties rising on the wind reminded me of God’s promise to strengthen His people, and I breathed a prayer of gratitude:… [ read more ]
Experiencing Joy When Your Heart Aches
Last week provided an opportunity to spend three days on the Makana with our youngest daughter and her family. I’m so grateful for that time because this week, as you read this, we’re packing up their household and moving them to northern British Columbia where our son-in-law will do his two-year family practice residency…. [ read more ]
Living on a Boat and Spiritual Disciplines
I’m sitting at the little desk in our sailboat as I write this. Inches away I see a systems panel covered in lights and switches. Their labels include, “Fore Deck Lt,” “Courtesy Lts,” “Sanx,” “Grey Water,” “Blower 2,” “Propane Valve,” “Reverse Polarity,” “Nav Inst,” and my favorite—”Collision Avoid.” The mass of switches and… [ read more ]
Count Your Blessings
As I write this, early morning sunshine streams through my sailboat’s pilothouse windows. Sailor-Man has already left for our ministry office, and I am alone. All is quiet but for the sound of birds chirping. Theirs is a happy song, and it lifts my spirits. It reminds me of — “Therefore I tell you, do… [ read more ]
You are Held in God’s Hands
Living in a marina gives me opportunity to experience many new things. One of those is watching a sling lift boats of all shapes and sizes from the river. This happens every day as boats needing repairs show up at the boatyard. I stand in awe every time I watch the sling do its… [ read more ]
5 Ways to Care for Your Soul
I suspect that most folks thought life would have settled back into somewhat normal by now. Instead, COVID numbers are rising again, schools are already cancelling classes, and the chasm between differing opinions widens. The level of stress, for many, is through the roof. Add to that the hurricanes wreaking havoc and the… [ read more ]
Why Our Thoughts About God Matter
The older I get and the more life experience I gather, the more I’m fascinated by the power of the thoughts we habitually entertain. In short, they influence our behaviors, and those behaviors determine our destiny or outcome. Let me give you a personal example of what this looks like. When Sailor-Man and… [ read more ]
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