Today. I'm heart-broken.

       I had the privilege, challenge, and honor, to love and serve a homeless woman for the last 17 days. She was living in our home, amongst us, but often not "with us." She lived in a different reality. I was hoping and praying that we could persuade her to pursue help. She refused to return to the 2 homeless shelters in town, was isolated from family and friends because of her deeply held, but mis-guided delusions. Her home and sleeping quarters comprised a Bus Stop in downtown Columbus, OH. Because my older brother suffers from paranoia schizophrenia, and has for over 45 years I knew exactly what I was dealing with. Because she believed she was the exclusive wife of Jehovah Himself, she lived a quiet, pure life, completely separate from the world. No TV, no worldly influence, only holiness was allowed. Therefore I knew she was no a threat to me or my children. In fact, she is one of the most extraordinary people I have ever been around in my life. When she was witty, she could engage and humor the most solemn among us. When she was expounding truths, she was captivating and compelling beyond any entertainment I have beheld on the bigscreen. Her brilliance was unparalleled to anyone I've ever encountered. She is well- learned, well-read and had memorized extensive portions of scripture. When she was kind, she exceeded the gentleness and discernment of the most devoted care-giver. When she was helpful, she was more efficient and productive than several workers. But when she was crazy, (only witness by me on 2 distinct occasions lasting several hours each) she was agitated and animated as she described in graphic detail things that would make most people shudder in horror.   Read more »

                                    "Where has the time gone?"

      Cliche because it's said so often~ yet none less true. If only we regarded each and every moment as precious, as if it were our last.   ~Selah (pause and consider)

      Sigh. I have been trying hard to catch my breath to keep up with the fast and furious pace of Summer. Thanks to all of you who have come out and supported us at the Christian Festivals. Remember ME Jewelry has been vending at Ichthus (KY), Alive (OH), Creation East (PA), Lifest (WI), Sonshine (MN), and Creation West (WA). As I write, set-ups are taking place in NY for KingdomBound, and then we wind down with Soulfest in NH. Upon their return we will immediately load up the untold boxes (I hope to have packed in their absence:) and move from quiet Hayward WI to Hilliard OH (a suburb of Columbus). The God story of events that led up this move is too savory good to condense in this brief notice, so check back for those yummy encouraging details.    Read more »

                                                                            The Sky Is Always Blue.....Always

               To the casual observer, I appear to be a thirty-something wife, mother of five,  daughter, sister, and friend. I am all those things, but more than that, I’m an  “Overcomer.”   To really know who I am and what you’ll discover in my story, pause for a  moment, find a mirror, and peer deeply into your own eyes. There you’ll find me.

            The color of our skin may differ, our cultures may be worlds apart, and we may disagree on political issues and even have opposing religious beliefs. Beyond every barrier that appears to separate us, we share a common strand that ties our hearts together and is reflected in your eyes. You and I both have pain.   Read more »