Lisa Jacobson's Blog

It's never a good sign when you get a personal call from your doctor.

It's even more alarming when it happens on the same day you underwent what were supposed to be routine tests and labs.

I immediately knew it couldn't be good news.

"Hello, Lisa, you know those tests you took this morning? The results came back, and I'm sorry, but it's not what we expected. In fact, it's rather concerning." Her voice was calm, but I could sense the gravity of the situation.

She briefly reviewed some of the results, using medical terminology such as 'significant deterioration' and 'potential risk of chronic pain or disability,' and asked me to return to the office to discuss options.

She ended the call with, "I am just as surprised as you must be."

"Surprised" is one word; "shock" would probably be more accurate. I found my way over to the edge of the bed to sit down and process what she had just told me. My mind was racing with a million thoughts and, admittedly, a few fears. The suddenness of the news was almost overwhelming.

The only reason I had gone into her office and requested the tests in the first place was to 'get a baseline.' I had neither pain nor any particular complaints—quite the opposite. I had been feeling great and intentionally looking after my health for some time.

Now, with a single phone call lasting less than ten minutes, I was confronted with a reality I had not anticipated. I was facing a serious condition that would likely, if not inevitably, shape the rest of my days. 1

And possibly shorten them.

When It’s Not What You Expected

I want to tell you that I felt a certain sense of peace settle over me at that moment. That, after all I've been through over the years, I was prepared for this.

But that's not the case.

Once the initial shock wore off, I found myself weeping on the brown leather couch in Matt's home office—there was nothing peaceful or pretty about it.

I cried to think I might not be able to look after Avonléa the way I had always hoped. I worried that Matt might eventually become the caregiver for both of us, and I was saddened that I wouldn’t be the active grandma jumping on the trampoline with my grandkids as I had envisioned.

Mainly, I felt more grief than fear—a deep sense of loss and profound disappointment. I did not see this challenge coming, and the weight of that realization was heavy on my heart.

However, after a couple of months had passed and I began to adjust, I slowly came to embrace a different perspective — one filled with humility and renewed gratitude. And it’s these hidden blessings I want to share with you, as the lessons I'm learning are not just for me but for everyone facing a health challenge or any difficult season in life.

Some of you reading this may be in your 30s or 40s, healthy and strong, and may doubt that it has much relevance for you, except perhaps out of curiosity. However, I encourage you to consider how these insights can apply to you as much as they do to older women or those facing chronic illness, the many who have been nodding their heads since about the third paragraph.

While I could outline all the steps I'm taking—sometimes quite literally—to improve or at least slow down my health situation, I believe it is more helpful and encouraging to share the changes in my heart and mind rather than those in my body.

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You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. ~ Psalm 16:11

A Change in Perspective

If you had asked me a few months ago how I would respond—like what I would actually DO—if I received a concerning diagnosis, I’m sure I would have rattled off the goals I wanted to accomplish or items on my bucket list. I might have mentioned the projects I hope to complete, the boxes of memorabilia in my closet that I intend to organize, and the piles of old photos that I plan to sort through.

Or I might have aimed for something bigger, like writing that last book, traveling to Greece, or returning to podcasting.

However, when faced with a real test, my reaction was quite the opposite of what I would have expected. Instead of feeling the urge to push harder, I found myself wanting to slow down and savor the moments rather than rush to achieve more.

While I still aspire to reach some of my goals, I feel an even stronger desire to take my time and make the most of each moment. I want to watch the sunrise with my husband, relax on our back patio with a good book, and hold my grandchildren while sipping tea with my daughters and daughters-in-law. I want to play cards with my sons and go on long walks with old friends. Although these kinds of moments don't typically appear on a resume or in a biography, as we all know, they are among the most valuable and meaningful experiences in life.

A Deeper Humility

As I searched for the right words to express this next revelation, I realized it ultimately comes down to humility. While I've known this truth for some time, I now feel it deeply: my life is truly in God's hands. My days, my strength, and my efforts mean nothing apart from Him.

So yes, I would have correctly answered a question about this on a multiple-choice exam; it's just that I've come to understand that I don't always reflect this belief in my daily life. Unlike some convictions that can leave you feeling sad or regretful, this one has brought me nothing but relief. The world—my world—doesn't depend on me nearly as much as I had previously thought, and it's rather freeing.

How sweet it is to surrender your heart and every breath to Him fully!

Renewed Gratitude

Who would have guessed that a gloomy medical report could fill your heart with gratitude? I certainly didn't.

Although it started with some definite "poor me" moments, once my tears dried, I began to see the abundance of good things around me. I'm not just talking about the "it could have been much worse" perspective (though that is true as well). It's hard to explain, but it felt as though all the ordinary aspects of my life—from sunrise to sunset—became noticeably brighter and sweeter.

I hate to admit it, but unconsciously, I'd been taking my life for granted. It's astonishing to realize how many blessings I overlooked. And it's a little embarrassing to reflect on the things I found annoying and see how small and silly they were. God has given me a good and rich life, and I am thankful for it. This revelation alone made the otherwise discouraging medical report feel worthwhile!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. ~ Psalm 103:1-5

Something to Consider

So, my friend, I hope you won't wait for an unexpected call from your doctor to reflect on the gift-filled life you've been given. I'd encourage you to take some time to consider what God might want you to embrace and rest in as well.

Do your daily decisions align with what is truly important and valuable to you?

Do you start each day with a keen sense that your life is in God's hands?

Is your heart filled with gratitude for the many blessings you enjoy every single day?

You know, it's funny, but in some ways, my life hasn't changed much since my phone rang earlier in the spring, despite how it turned me upside down at the time. And then again, in many surprisingly wonderful ways, that call has changed everything.

And for that, I am truly grateful.

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A Closing Blessing

I pray that you will trust your daily life—and all its challenges—and your future to your Heavenly Father.

May you consider slowing down, savoring the small moments, and enjoying the many blessings all around you.

I hope your heart will be filled with joy and gratitude for the sweet life He’s given you.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram | Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

1

While I didn’t want to go into details here, to clarify, I do not have cancer.

The front door slammed shut with such force that it made my heart lurch.

Feeling utterly helpless, I watched as our oldest son strode onto the vast open land beyond our property.

While it may not seem like a big deal to some, you should understand that we do not slam doors in our home; it simply isn't done. So, you see, our son's slam was meant to make a powerful statement.

And it worked.

He was evidently very upset about something, though I had no idea what was troubling him or how to help. When he was younger, I could let him cry it out, encourage him to stay in his room until he felt better, or hold him until he calmed down.

But now, at 17 years old, those approaches were no longer options. I desperately wanted to rescue him-to intervene somehow—but I also knew I needed to give him space.

Helpless.

Was there anything I could do besides rush to my room, kneel, and pray? And when I say "pray," I don't mean a simple "bless my son" prayer. I mean a heartfelt, desperate cry: "Oh, Lord, please help him!" with tears in my eyes and anguish in my chest. I had to trust Him to reach my son in ways I couldn't myself.

That kind of prayer.

Wrestling in Prayer

I don't think I really understood "wrestling in prayer" until I had a teenage son. Not that this boy gave us too much trouble, but like many young people today, he faced intense disappointments, hurts, challenges, and temptations.

It is no small thing to be a young man in this day and age.

His dad and I often lay awake at night, calling out to God on his behalf and later, for his three younger brothers. We prayed for their protection, strength, and courage. And we still do, as Philippians 4:6 urges us: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

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Our four sons when they were much younger. :) Our four sons today. (Our oldest is second from the right) Britain with his beautiful wife and baby girl!Make Prayer a Regular Part of Your Parenting

Maybe the boy in your life is only a little guy. Even so, I hope you'll start praying for him today.

Then, as he grows older, don't be surprised that he will need your prayers more than ever.

But I also hope you won't consider prayer as a last-ditch effort in your parenting. You don't want to wait until a child slams the front door to begin praying for them. Instead, you can make prayer a regular part of your parenting.

Yes, make prayer your first impulse, not your last, when it comes to loving your son. And remind yourself that, thankfully, it's not all up to you to keep his heart safe and his body sound. He has a Heavenly Father who knows and loves him more than you ever could. You can’t help him by being anxious — only by being prayerful.

So why not go to God and talk to Him about that boy you love? Pour out your concerns, your hopes, and your desires for him.

Our oldest son, the one who slammed the door so many years ago, recently turned thirty-one. He often expresses gratitude for having a praying mother, saying it has made a significant difference in his life. He is now married to a wonderful young woman, and they have a baby girl. And I am thankful for all God has done and how He has carried him - and continues to carry him - through life's challenges.1

My friend, you can trust God with your son. Start today by lovingly lifting him up in prayer.

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A Closing Blessing

I pray you will lift your son in prayer daily, no matter his age, to his Heavenly Father.

May you ask God to protect and strengthen him and give you wisdom, guidance, and grace to raise him well.

I hope you will trust the Lord with your son’s heart and life, remembering He loves and cares more for him than anyone could.

Recommended Resources

Here are several books that I believe you’ll find helpful and inspiring while raising sons, in particular:2

100 Ways to Love Your Son: The Simple, Powerful Path to a Close and Lasting Relationship by Matt and Lisa Jacobson

Raising Boys to Men: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Raising and Homeschooling Boys by Durenda Wilson

Praying the Scriptures for Your Children: Discover How to Pray God's Purpose for Their Lives by Jodie Berndt

I hope you’ll be blessed and encouraged, my friend.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram | Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

1

I don’t want this to sound like a guaranteed happily-ever-after situation, nor do I want to minimize what our sons have struggled with or the difficulties they’ve faced. Mostly I want to emphasize I’ve never regretted praying fervently over these boys and many times it seemed the best and only “parenting approach” we were left with.

2

These are not affiliate links — merely books I’ve written out of my own personal experience or those that I’ve read, benefited from, and can highly recommend.

Hope is our fifth child’s middle name.

As you might know, she was born with a severe medical condition, and it was touch-and-go for those first few heartrending years. Following my emergency C-section, the doctors were painfully straightforward with us: “We’re very sorry, but your daughter will never walk, talk, or even know you as her mother . . . if she makes it at all.”

Such an unexpected and devastating prognosis for our tiny baby girl. And so what could we do but pray, and in faith, quietly slip Hope into the middle of Avonléa’s name?

From the beginning, her daddy committed to be this little girl’s champion. As soon as we brought her home after months in the NICU, he plopped her down in the middle of the dinner table to join the rest of the family—tubes, cords, medical equipment, and all—determined to make her life as rich and meaningful as possible. It didn’t matter where we went (a concert, the lake, the beach, or the mountains); he found a way to bring her and her wheelchair along.

Twenty-four years later, our Avonléa has exceeded every expectation any doctor ever had for her. Although she has limited use of both her legs and left arm, she manages pretty well with her one strong right arm. One of our Jacobson maxims is “There’s always a way to get something done!” and Avonléa embodies that statement every day. It’s true that she remains childlike, but then she’ll say something so insightful or recount some fact gleaned from a conversation four years previous that it amazes us all!

This dear girl has a gift for making us laugh (and occasionally weep), but she is always, always a joy.1

How Much Greater Is He

In the early days and months of our daughter’s life, no one offered much hope for Avonléa’s life—or for our marriage either, for that matter.

I learned this one day while roaming the hospital halls. The head NICU pediatrician pulled me aside and felt compelled to pass on these sobering statistics: “I thought you should know that 85 percent of couples who give birth to a severe special needs child like yours end in divorce.”

Oh . . . thanks. Our baby hadn’t completed her second brain surgery, and there we were, discussing the statistical probability of our divorce.

The doctor’s stark statement filled my head with many anxious thoughts and questions as Matt and I waited together in the hall. Would the challenges of this fragile baby tear us apart? The sleepless nights, the hospital stays, the financial strain, the grief—would they be too heavy for us to carry? I wondered, and I deeply worried.

But then my mind went back to the name God had graciously given us for her—that promising Hope—and tearfully considered how much greater He is than any medical or social statistics. And I poured out my heart to Him in that moment—and the many moments following.

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedHope in the LORD;For with the LORD there is mercy,And with Him is abudnant redemption. ~ Psalm 130:7 NKJVMay the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace in believing, that you may about in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13 NKJV

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Clinging to Hope

And you? Are you clinging to hope?

Or have you been listening to discouraging voices either in the past or currently spoken around you? Have you believed their dire predictions that “your children don’t stand a chance” or “your marriage won’t make it” or something similar? If so, recognize that this is not from the Lord. He can do all things and is not held back by sad statistics, destructive family patterns, or past experiences.

I might not know the details of your life or your particular circumstances, my friend, but I do know this: you can trust God with your heart and, yes, with your children, as well as your marriage.

Our God is able—more than able—to bring beauty to your situation, whatever that may be, no matter how hopeless it may currently seem. 2

A Closing Blessing

I pray you will be able to trust God with your heart.

May you ask the Lord to give you hope—a deep hope that defies any discouraging statistics or predictions.

I lift you up to the God who redeems and ask Him to cover you and your situation with unexpected beauty and grace.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram | Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

1

I’ve written more about Avonléa here.

2

Part of this post was taken from The Flirtation Experiment, co-authored by Phylicia Masonheimer.

I don't remember exactly how old our sons were when I started.

All I know is that the four boys were relatively young—some might say ridiculously young—when I began praying for the woman each might marry one day.

And while some of the other specifics varied, depending on the son, my consistent request was for her to be full of beauty, wisdom, and kindness.1

I wish I could tell you I added "kindness" with brilliant intentionality, but it was more of a mother's hunch than any particular insight.

But, oh, am I glad I asked that she be kind.

Because I can now say, I have two of the kindest daughters-in-law you could ask for.

Such a clear and wonderful answer to prayer.

The Blessing of Kindness

At the time, it was our sons I had in mind—what a blessing it would be to have a kind wife. Little did I know then that it would become an incredible blessing to ME as well, in ways I never could have imagined.

Something I've thought a lot about this past week.

I reflected on this as I sat across the table from sweet Abi while enjoying a cappuccino together at The Lemon Tree. Not only how kindly she speaks to me but to all those around her.

And how she notices people and the small things.

I watched tears fill her eyes as she told me about one particular day at the jewelry shop where she works. About how an older gentleman came in to inquire about selling his unique wedding ring because he wouldn't be needing it much longer. His wife stood by his side, quietly acknowledging that he wasn't likely to make it to Christmas, and the money would be of help.

I felt a little teary, too, as I listened, picturing this young girl before me demonstrating such compassion and kindness to the elderly couple. Caring more than the typical person you might meet behind the store counter. And I love this about her.

But Abi isn't the only kind one.

Because there's Amy, our oldest son's wife, too.

Amy who is taking care of our Avonléa right now as I write this. And I don't mean merely "caregiving" — although that is a beautiful blessing in itself! — but genuinely looking for ways to delight her in their time together. Amy lets her "help" with their three-month-old baby, bakes lemon bars, and takes her along shopping to pick out a gift for a friend. And if you know Avonléa, she enjoys nothing more than helping!

I can hardly believe this good gift as I watch Amy's expressions of kindness toward our special girl—such a cup-overflowing answer to prayer.

I am deeply touched.

And convicted.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. ~ Proverbs 31:26

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Full of Fresh Kindness

I am convicted because kindness doesn't always come as naturally as I might wish.

I've noticed the times that my communication tends toward snappish, and I silently blame it on stress. I can be stingy with my limited time and offerings, justifying it with the excuse of busyness. But what I've wrestled with the most lately is thinking kindly. I've caught myself more than once having to ask, "Now, Lisa, is that a kind thought?" And having to repent and adjust my thoughts accordingly.

Oh friend, I long to be full of the fresh kindness I see in these young women.2 I want to have kind words on my tongue, to be generous with kind deeds, and, above all, to have kind thoughts toward my husband, family, friends, and even strangers.3

How about you?

Are you struggling with similar things? Are you longing for more warm kindness to permeate your life? Are you praying for kind words and deeds to fill your home?

I'm right there with you.

So I continue to pray for kindness—certainly for the women that our other two single sons might marry someday, but I also pray this for myself. I pray for it, and I’m trying to practice it as well.

And I'd be glad to pray the same for you.

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For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord endures forever. ~ Psalm 117:2A Closing Blessing

I pray you will know, clear down to your toes, God’s loving kindness toward you.

May you ask the Lord to give you many opportunities to express kindness to others with your thoughts, words, and actions.

I hope you and I will be most known for our kindness at the end of our days—more than anything else we might wish to attain or accomplish.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram | Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

1

I shared my original prayer for our oldest son here: A Prayer for My Son’s Bride-toBe.

2

This includes my own kind daughters, right down to our dear Avonléa.

3

If you’re struggling with being a kind wife, I wrote more about this in the book I co-authored with Phylicia Masonheimer, The Flirtation Experiment.

Maybe you already know this feeling.

Maybe you know it all too well.

The sense of being overwhelmed and wondering how you will handle everything coming your way.

And if this feeling describes your current situation, I understand. Life has a way of dishing it up hard and fast.

As you might recall, I was recently in just such a place with too much coming at me. We had one son getting married (120 days after meeting her!)1 and one son whose wife was expecting their first baby right about the same time (also married the same year after 120 days!).

Bridal showers, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, and weddings. Two new daughters-in-law, a new grandson, and soon a new granddaughter. Lots of blessings, but also some struggles and heartaches I’m not able to share here.

I could hardly keep up with everyone and all the heart-needs and just plain logistics that come with significant life changes in your family.

The unexpected message

So, in my state of overwhelm, I reached out to a dear friend who is more experienced than me in such matters. 2 I left a voice message pouring out all that was on my plate and asked her to pray.

Later, Jodie left a message in reply. It went something like this, “I got your message, Lisa, about what you’ve got going on right now, but you didn’t say what you needed prayer for.”

At that point, I blinked. I didn’t specify because it didn’t seem to require an explanation.

She continued, “Everything you’re describing sounds like what is only natural for the season of life you’re in. Engagements, weddings, babies, breakups, family adjustments. This is all very normal.”

Umm, not nearly as sympathetic as I’d expected. No deep spiritual insights.

Simply a reminder that these are the ordinary challenges that come naturally with the season.

Ouch. I’ll confess I felt a momentary sting.

Looking back, I suppose I was looking for commiseration. Pity even. Instead, my friend--my very good and wise friend--offered me something more valuable: truth.3

And while that truth didn’t change my circumstances or ease the challenges, it made a world of difference in my perspective.

Suddenly, what had seemed “impossible” or “staggering” was now oddly unremarkable.

Furthermore, I realized that, rather than being helpless, I had choices to make.

I could worry about the possibility of my granddaughter being born on our other son’s wedding day. I could fret over the many details of simultaneous events. And I could agonize over another child’s heartbreak.

OR I could keep in mind that these are the joys, sweetness and sorrows that often come with this particular season.

Not only that, but none of this is too much for the Lord. He knows Amy’s due date, as well as Revere’s wedding date. And He’s aware I can’t be in two places at once. He also knows and cares about my children’s heartaches more than me.

These are the difficult but ordinary challenges that come with this season of life.

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Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ~ Romans 12:12

Can I be that good friend?

Now, in case you don’t have a Jodie around to remind you that your current situation--and the struggles that come with it—is a relatively normal part of life, can I be that friend?

Maybe you’re the mother of young children and, in addition to the many sleepless nights, your family has had one illness or setback after another. That can make for a tough, tough time. (Trust me, I remember!)

And yet . . .

While your season is incredibly stretching, it doesn’t make it bad . Just hard.

And there is a difference.

Or maybe you’re raising teenagers and suffering sleepless nights for other reasons. It is not unusual to encounter new parenting challenges and cries for wisdom in such a season. That was certainly my experience in those teens years.

Or perhaps you’re caring for aging parents, and it’s sad and heavy at times. I am truly sorry. I’ve been there and know the weight of watching parents decline right before your eyes.

In no way am I diminishing the hardships that come with each season of life—in yours or mine. But what I am saying is that your perspective has the power to make it either much heavier or a little bit lighter.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16

A gentle reminder and encouragement

So if I could be a friend and offer this gentle reminder:

Remember that this is only a season. It’s not forever, although the enemy wants us to forget that part. He wants us to lose sight of the fact that it won’t always be like this and tomorrow is a new day.

Remember, it’s a season of life. Whatever stage of your journey—single, married, mother, grandmother—you’re in God’s hands. You can continually long for “some other season” than the one you’re in, but how much are you missing out on in your longing? Don’t let the enemy rob you of God’s goodness now by continually wringing your hands over the hard parts.

Remember, it’s ordinary. That is to say, you are not alone—no matter how it might feel. This is where the enemy can hit us the hardest. He wants you to feel like you are the only one going through this or, at least, the only one who is having such a difficult time of it. Please don’t let yourself believe this. It’s not true. We all have our struggles, as “ordinary” as they may be.

Then lastly, my friend, whichever season you find yourself in, remember God sees you and will be faithful to carry you through.

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A Beautiful Fall Wedding

Thank you for all who prayed for our wedding day! It’s a risky business having an outside wedding in November in Central Oregon, but we actually enjoyed a touch of sunshine on what was otherwise a rather chilly fall day.

Also, our daughter-in-law did NOT go into labor on the wedding day as I feared, Both she and our oldest son were able to be in the wedding, along with the rest of the siblings. Our precious granddaughter was born a couple of weeks later!

10 Groomsmen, including his three brothers and, yes, they’re all wearing knives. Don’t ask me. A Closing Blessing

I pray you will remember God sees you and will carry you through your difficulties and heartaches.

May you trust the Lord with the ordinary, and even extraordinary, challenges that come with your season of life.

I hope you will choose joy and not lose sight of the fact that we have a real Hope and look forward to a new tomorrow.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram | Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

1

You can read more about their whirlwind romance here. :)

2

My good friend, Jodie Berndt, has many wise and encouraging resources available. I highly recommend them all!

3

We often look for “sympathy and understanding” from a friend, but I’d encourage you to find a friend who is willing to say the hard thing too. That is real love.

Our first fight was nearly as memorable as our first kiss.

Maybe even more so.

Matt and I enjoyed such a smooth engagement period that it never occurred to me that it might ever be otherwise. At the time, I couldn’t even imagine what there could be to “fight” about, still less that we’d have a situation go from zero to sixty in under twenty minutes.

His zero, my sixty.

But one mid-June afternoon, a couple of months before our wedding day, I cheerily walked into his apartment and set down my purse on the kitchen counter when my eye caught sight of an airline ticket to California tucked under a pile of mail.

My fiancé is leaving me.

One glance at that United Airlines ticket, and I knew it. I’m not saying it was logical, but that’s where my mind went, and my husband-to-be was about to see a side of me he’d never seen before.

Filled with fear and panic, I angrily lashed out at him with a myriad of irrational questions and accusations: “What is this ticket for?” “Where are you going?” And more to the point, “Why would you be leaving me?”

Matt tried to calm me down by explaining that it was simply a ticket to a good friend’s graduation. He’d forgotten to tell me, but he’d be flying out the following Friday and would only be gone for a few days.

At that point, I corrected Matt, informing him that, no, actually, he wouldn’t be flying anywhere. I see now that it must have sounded a lot like an order, but what he didn’t understand was that it was more of a heart cry. Please don’t leave me. I’m scared you won’t come back.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

   and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

    and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5–6

Our First Relational Impasse

Matt was initially confused by my angry response to his plans for California, but this particular tactic—this I’ll-tell-you-what-you-will-and-won’t-do approach—only made my fiancé raise his eyebrows and dig in all the deeper. Back and forth we went until we were at a total impasse for the first time in our relationship.

In the past, we’d always managed to work things out or come up with a reasonable compromise. But how does one “meet in the middle” when the issue is a flight to California? You either go, or you don’t go.

And so our argument continued to escalate, with me becoming increasingly irate.

Then, suddenly, without saying a word, Matt whipped around and went into the back bedroom, shutting the door behind him and leaving me standing there alone. Stubbornly, I stood in the same spot, tearfully waiting for him to return so we could finish fighting this thing out.

But he stayed in the room so long that I concluded he wasn’t returning—not ever. I was now truly convinced he was leaving me, just as I’d suspected all along. At last, unable to take it, I silently cracked open the door, confident I’d catch him packing his bags for his departure.

But I called it wrong.

Neither packing nor leaving, that man of mine was kneeling beside the bed and praying.

I could hear him pouring out his heart—and our terrible argument—before the Lord as if it were the most natural thing in the world. My fiancé was trusting God with our problems. What a wild way of resolving an otherwise irreconcilable situation!

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*And here we are 32 years later... :)Choosing the Wild Way

Although I’d prayed about many things in my twenty-six years, I’d never thought to pray about an argument, anger, or hurt feelings. I had always considered those kinds of issues to be my own to work out. Now, I knew differently, and this knowledge rocked my world. What a beautiful realization that I could trust God with my husband, our marriage, and, yes, even our conflicts.

And so can you.

Did you know that it doesn’t always come down to you to figure things out or solve problems? Instead, you can take it to the Lord in prayer, trusting Him to guide and care for you. Even when your situation—or relationship—seems utterly impossible, you can entrust it to His loving, almighty hands.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

A Personal Update

To let you know, the above true story is an excerpt from my marriage devotional, Loving Your Husband Well: A 52-Week Devotional For the Deeper, Richer Marriage You Desire.

And I’m sharing this with you now, instead of what I originally intended to write this week, because one of our sons, Revere, is getting married next week, and my life has been full with bridal showers, wedding planning, and marriage preparations.

But that’s not all.

Our oldest son and his wife are expecting their first child any day now (and are supposed to be the best man and a bridesmaid in that same wedding!).

As you can imagine, this particular “impossible” situation has been much on my heart and mind. Two incredibly beautiful blessings . . . happening more or less at the same time (but hopefully not on the same day!).

And so I found myself wrestling with trusting God with these potentially conflicting life events this week. Asking Him, “Lord, how can our oldest son miss his brother’s wedding?” And, “What will it mean if this baby comes this early?” Not only that, but “How can I be in two places at once?”

Impossible.

Once again, I found myself on my knees by our bedside in the early hours this morning. Not due to a relational conflict but because of what seems like something of a scheduling conflict, to say the least.

So, I’d be grateful for your prayers for our family over the next ten days. We are so very excited about this new marriage as well as this first baby girl! And we desire that both events go smoothly and hope we can all be there for both celebrations.

A Closing Blessing

I pray that you will spend more time praying about your fears and concerns and less time fretting over them.

May you trust the Lord that whatever your impossible situation, you remember that it is safely in His good Hands.

I hope you choose the “wild way” by kneeling by your bedside to ask God to do what you cannot.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram |  Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

First of all, I want you to know that I had it all carefully planned out.

Right down to the smallest detail.

I'd spent months putting together the "perfect family vacation" for us this year, finding the right mountain cabin to hold our growing large family, with the right number of beds and bedrooms and enough chairs around the table.

I'd put together a tight menu plan, including rotating two people as kitchen crew for cleanup after each meal. My daughter-in-law and I even made gift baskets for each family member as a fun way to start our time together.

(Did I mention I had everything planned out??)

And then, just a few days before our vacation began, one of our sons gave us a call that changed everything.

Okay, well, at least it felt that way to me.

Because our son had unexpectedly decided to propose to his girlfriend during our family vacation.

How romantic! You might be saying.

How exciting! You may be thinking.

And maybe I should have been saying and thinking those things, but to be honest, my first response wasn't exactly that.

For one, Abigail hadn't been included in our family plans because we have a strict policy that you must either “be engaged or about to be engaged” to come on vacation with us.

And, at the time, she was neither.

So, practically speaking, we had neither a bedroom nor bed (nor gift basket!) for her.

For another and far more important reason, inviting a new person into the family is a Very Big Deal. And some family members who hadn't even met her yet were flying in, and now here we are, “Oh, by the way, here's your new sister-in-law-to-be.”

We're a warm and welcoming bunch, but that's asking a lot for just about anyone.

Lastly, I was in a bit of shock myself. It was no surprise that our son was serious about this girl; we understood that. But I thought we had time—and plenty of it. After all, he is 22 years old, and she is not quite 19.

So I kept walking around the house and whispering to myself, but they're so very young.

And my mama's heart worried and wondered if this was best.

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The Romantic Proposal

Over the next few days, my husband and I had numerous conversations with our son and each other. Ultimately, we ended up asking sweet Abigail (for she is a sweetheart!) to join us a couple of days into the vacation to give the others a chance to be together first.

We also requested that Revere wait until the last day to propose, rather than the first one, as he'd originally intended, so we might have time to grow more comfortable with his plan.

As for The Plan--for all you romantics--you'll enjoy hearing how incredibly romantic the proposal turned out to be.

The two of them woke up early, while it was still dark, and hiked to the same lake where they'd had their first date. They stopped at a lovely spot on the lake, just below the peak of Mount Hood, and watched the sunrise.

And then, after asking Abigail to keep her eyes on the mountain, Revere spread rose petals all around the ground, got down on one knee, and, when she turned around, he proposed.

She said, YES!

Afterward, the two returned to the cabin, where our entire family was waiting and cheering loudly. A long line of hugs and hearty congratulations followed. Eventually, we quieted down and gathered around for a time of prayer, thanking the Lord for this gift and asking Him for blessing and protection over the young couple.

Later, everyone agreed that this Jacobson Family Vacation 2024 was going down in the books as the most memorable so far.

Even if it didn't go according to my plan.

Clearly, God had a better plan — the best plan — for our time together.

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Trusting God for His Timing

So now I want to ask you: Am I the only one who struggles with trusting God for His timing?

Because it's hardly the first time I've wrestled with such things. Mostly, I've felt that He has moved too slowly. While trying to remain respectful, I've asked, sometimes cried, Why aren't You moving more quickly?  Wondering why He doesn't see that time is of the essence here.

But then, in His perfect timing, I’ve seen the answer come together, and suddenly, everything made sense.

It is rare, however, that I've found Him to answer something too soon.

As was the case here.

We knew Revere's heart's desire was to find a wife and that he'd always hoped to marry young. That part wasn’t a shocker. And we'd joined him in that prayer.

It's just that I thought it would be another year or two down the road. Not merely a couple of months away.

So, naturally, I had concerns about the situation. "Lord," I protested. "But she's so young. They're both quite young."

No answer, simply silence.

Then I looked back through my prayer journal and the specific requests for what I believed would be good qualities for a wife for Revere. She had them all. But apparently, I forgot to include an age bracket because I'd assumed they'd marry in their later twenties like our other children had (as well as ourselves).

And I struggled to trust that this would turn out well.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11

He Made All Things Beautiful

That's when I felt the Lord gently admonishing me.  "Lisa, dear one, you need to trust Me."

Not Revere. Not Abigail. And certainly not my worrying heart.

We had prayed. He had answered. And now I needed to trust Him.

You might be in just such a place right now. Wanting to trust God with your circumstances or your relationships, but having difficulty seeing how He’s going to work this one out. It seems He’s moving too slowly or too fast. Or perhaps it looks plain impossible from where you’re standing.

If you’re struggling to trust God with His timing and maybe even His answer, I hope you, too, will find peace in knowing that our lives are in His wise and loving hands. He sees more than what we can see. He understands far more than we can imagine.

And He makes things beautiful in His time.

A Closing Blessing

I pray that you will learn to trust God, knowing He hears our prayer requests and will answer them in His way and in His perfect timing.

May you walk in faith each day, trusting Him for today as well as for tomorrow, remembering He is your Good Father.

I hope you experience the peace of resting in Him who knows all things and makes them beautiful in His time.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram |  Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Photos by Natalie Puls Photography

I received an unexpected text message from my twenty-something daughter earlier this week.

Inviting me to watch a new movie with her later that night after work.

Now, how often do you get asked to a spontaneous girls' night—by your own daughter, no less?

So the answer was an easy yes !

On the way into town, I grabbed some supper, consisting of a few falafel wraps and a couple of chunky chocolate bars, and slipped them into a large purse.

Then, at the theater, one of her also twenty-something friends joined us, and the three of us pretty much had the place to ourselves. We ate our wraps and nibbled on the chocolate while laughing at the many (silly) antics. And that was all good fun.

But the best part was when my daughter reached for my hand during the more intense scenes—a lot like she did when she was five years old, except it’s twenty years later.

Okay, so admittedly, it wasn't the kind of movie you watch for the plot, yet it had several sweet and funny moments and was surprisingly clean. Besides, what does a little cheese factor matter when you're holding hands with your adult daughter and waiting for the next natural disaster to hit?

Setting the cheese aside, this evening was a dream come true for me. Ever since our first child was born, I've longed for this kind of comfortable, close relationship with our kids.

I just didn't know how to go about it.

Drawing Close Through Hard Times

Now, before we go any further and you conclude it's all "fun and games" around here, you should also know this daughter has walked through some severe trials this past year—at times, heartbreaking for someone so young. We've had many late-night conversations, cries out to God, and long trips to medical appointments.

And it was on one of these long drives that we talked about how challenging our relationship was when she was a teenager living at home. She admitted that she didn't feel very close to me back then, nor did she feel particularly seen or understood.

Yet I am one of the first people she calls now.

You can imagine how precious those words are to hear, especially after all we've been through. I'd drive across the continent to hear her -- or really anyone in my family – express such closeness.

And the Same Goes for Sons

Now, I'll add that this isn't merely a mother-daughter thing.

For instance, this week, I received a call from my twenty-something son, who wanted to tell me about a young woman he'd met. He hoped I could meet her, too, and was eager to hear my thoughts. He shared what he liked about her and what qualities drew her to him.

I listened carefully as my typically quiet son spoke openly about his feelings for her.

Thankful he couldn't see the tears in my eyes—not because of his interest in this girl but because of his vulnerability in sharing his heart with me. I honestly didn't know we'd ever get to this place.

This closeness has been a long time in coming and I'm beyond grateful.

So maybe you're reading this and can totally relate. But perhaps you're wondering, even despairing, if you'll ever enjoy a similar experience with your own family.

If so, I want to offer hope – no matter where things are right now – as well as some practical encouragement.

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Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32

Cultivating Close Family RelationshipsBe intentional.

Don't assume closeness "just happens" or simply "doesn't happen." In my experience, you have to work hard and practice humility (more on this later) in pursuing close relationships with your family.

Closeness requires thought, prayer, and creative ideas on how to connect with each one.

Be willing to invest.

Close relationships cost. There, I've said it. Sometimes, we long for a big goal (like closeness) but aren't willing to pay the price. And that "price" involves time, thoughtfulness, and even tears.

I try to reach out to each of my kids every week and, in some cases, almost daily. It might be a phone call, an invitation to lunch, or a spontaneous drop-in at their work. I also happen to be a gift-giver, so I enjoy coming up with little presents--whether dropping off homemade bread to our sons or sending a cute pair of overalls for our new baby grandson. My desire is to communicate, "I'm thinking of you" and "I care about you."

They already know that I love them. But it’s also important for them to feel seen and remembered.

Be humble.

I've made many mistakes. With each of my children, I've fallen short. I've not done enough, and I've done too much. I've said hurtful things, whether intentionally or not. I've missed the mark more times than you might guess.

But I've also found the gift of humility in parenting. I've had to admit my shortcomings and humbly apologize to every one of my kids—which is not always easy for me to do.

Admitting our mistakes, confessing our sins, and asking for forgiveness is a humbling but essential part of building a close family relationship.

Be patient.

Closeness takes time. Maybe your children are still young and struggling—to the point that you can't quite picture them calling you to share the deepest parts of their souls someday. And yet, take heart, I believe they will.

Every season has its challenges---from toddlers to teens to adulthood---and every relationship has its rough patches, but remain steadfast and hold onto hope.

Be prayerful.

With eight kids and thirty years of parenting, I can't say this strongly enough: Your best parenting happens when you’re humbly bent down on your knees.

While I'm all for parenting books, podcasts, and articles (I'm writing one here for you!), there is absolutely no substitute for prayer. So pray all things for your children—for their protection, for wisdom, for breakthroughs, for insight, for growth and maturity, and, above all, that they will know and walk with Christ.

As imperfect parents, we eventually must realize that we can't fix everything or prevent every mistake, sin, or heartbreak. But we always have a perfect Savior to turn to, trusting in Him, who is able to redeem all things.

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Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ~ I Peter 4:8

Coming Up . . .

Next time, I’ll share ideas on cultivating close relationships between siblings. Your relationship with your children is one thing, but their relationship with each other can be another challenge!

On My Book Stack: Something Powerful:

As concerns the power of praying for your children and family, I highly recommend these books by my friend, Jodie Berndt: Praying the Scriptures for Your Children 20th Anniversary Edition: Discover How to Pray God's Purpose for Their Lives and Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love. Both are excellent, encouraging, and helpful books!

Something Practical: 

For down-to-earth, everyday, practical ideas, I recommend our two books, 100 Ways to Love Your Son & 100 Ways to Love Your Daughter: The Simple, Powerful Path to a Close and Lasting Relationship. These books give you 100 specific, actionable ideas you can implement to show love to your son or daughter, no matter what age they are (and currently ON SALE)!

A Closing Blessing

I pray that you will earnestly pursue closeness with your family, no matter what their age, the wounds to heal, or the hurdles to overcome.

May you cultivate the kind of love that comes when you're humbly and patiently seeking their precious hearts.

I hope you continue to prayerfully and intentionally work on building a beautiful, close family.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram |  Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

I'll admit that I was thrown off.

My friend mentioned that she had a conversation with one of our sons a few weeks earlier but was only now telling me about it. Of course, she did not need my "permission." He was 21 years old and could speak for himself.

It's just that it felt like such a sensitive and personal question.

And one that I'd never dared to ask myself.

She had asked him, "Do you ever regret . . . or resent . . . having a sister with such severe special needs?"

Oh my. I couldn't ask this question because, in all honesty, I'm not sure I could bear to hear the answer. But he'd been asked, so there was no avoiding it now.

And I waited anxiously to hear from my friend what our son thought . . . really thought . . . about having a sibling who required our family to give up so much for her sake.

My friend described how he paused thoughtfully, looked her straight in the eyes, and clearly stated, "I've never thought of Avonléa as anything but a gift."

A gift.

Nothing about the vacations we never went on, or the many nights we were away at the hospital, or how much it cost us to care for her.

Simply a gift. And he's right about that—she's truly a joy.

Yet it's not as though the joy magically cancels out loss and grief. We live with both. All the time.

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If you don't know Avonléa's story, she suffered a massive stroke in utero and, as the doctors informed us, had a "slim chance of survival." And if she did live, the prognosis was grim: "She would never walk, talk, or know you as her mother."

And yet, here we are, about to celebrate her 24th birthday, and while it’s true she can't walk or use the left side of her body, she talks, knows, and loves me—and pretty much everyone else in her small world.

She is sweet, and she is a miracle.

How can you find joy in sad or difficult situations?

Some of you reading this have a child, a family member, or perhaps even a spouse who has serious struggles. Just hearing our story immediately brings to mind your own experience and its inevitable impact on you and your family.

Then again, maybe you can't relate to Avonléa's story, but you have your own personal challenges and griefs—the kind that most people can't begin to understand. It might be a chronic illness, a broken relationship, or the stress of financial pressures. These might be different challenges, but they bring their own kind of grief.

So, how is one supposed to find joy in devastating situations such as that? I know. I’ve asked myself that question more times than you can imagine. While there’s no simple 5-step answer, I slowly learned a handful of things that have helped me find joy—even amid severe difficulties and heartbreak—and I wanted to share them here with you.

We can't expect everyone to understand what it's like to have our experience.

So, it’s best to let go of this expectation and accompanying hurt or frustration. You have enough to carry without adding this offense and disappointment. People usually mean well, but they just don't get it, and that's okay. You have a Savior who understands your deepest ache and cares for you.

We get to trust God for today and all over again tomorrow.

When today is hard, don’t forget that tomorrow will be a new day. And when you're worried about tomorrow, choose to place those worries in His loving, powerful, nail-scarred Hands.

We can be thankful for every small victory and each little blessing.

And this is far more than merely "looking on the bright side"; It's a genuine recognition of the tiniest good thing.

With some losses, the grief never entirely goes away.

We are incredibly thankful for how far Avonléa has come and that she's still with us. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that we always carry a bit of sadness about us.

With every grief comes an unexpected gift.

While this is not what we would have ever chosen for Avonléa, she is truly a blessing. She makes us laugh, makes our hearts more tender, and has brought our family closer in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

So, friend, whatever grief or burden you carry, I hope and pray that you, too, will experience moments of joy and unexpected blessings.

Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. ~ Psalm 30:5

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Favorite Resources and RecommendationsOn My Book Stack: Something New:

If you, or someone you know, is going through a difficult time, I can recommend this new devotional book by Katherine Wolfe (another stroke survivor): Treasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections on Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting. I'm grateful for Jay and Katherine Wolf's ministry. I would also recommend their book, Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love, a deeply moving story of their personal journey of suffering and living in hope.

Something Old: 

You're probably not surprised that I have a shelf filled with books on suffering and loss. One of my favorites is A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss, a profoundly moving (and true) story and beautifully written.

Our newlyweds celebrating Fourth of July!

In Our Kitchen: 

My new daughter-in-law asked if she could come over and learn how to bake whole wheat bread with me so that she could now make it for our son. I've been making this same bread recipe for over 20 years! We walked through every step together, from grinding the wheat berries to sponging the yeast to baking the loaves. I typically bake 5 to 6 loaves at a time, but we each made two loaves this time so that she could bring her loaves home for her and Britain. We enjoyed such a lovely afternoon together!

I use this recipe if you’re interested: Lisa’s Whole Wheat Bread Recipe.

A Closing Blessing

I pray that you will find the gift of joy alongside your grief.

May you turn to your Savior, a Man of Sorrows, as you mourn your loss and know that you are not alone in your suffering.

I hope you will trust your Heavenly Father with all that weighs on your mind and the sadness you carry in your heart.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram |  Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

I didn't even notice him at first.

A small crowd of us was waiting to put in our order at Junction Coffee. And we resembled more of an amoeba than a line. On one side, a group of young people laughing and pushing each other, while on the other, a coffee klatch of silver-haired women catching up on old times.

So you can see why, amid the noisy chattering and rich smell of roasted coffee beans, I wasn't aware of the quiet elderly gentleman standing only a few feet away from me.

He wasn't exactly staring, but I could feel his gaze. After some time, I felt obliged to look back and extend a friendly smile. At this point, he removed his cap, wiped his head, and asked, "Do you mind if I offer you a compliment?"

And for a second, I thought perhaps we knew each other. But I soon realized no, it's just that he reminded me so much of Matt's dad with his kind eyes and charming ways.

He seemed safe enough, and so I smiled again.

Then he quickly added, "But I'm not hitting on you or anything. It's just a genuine compliment."

And that made me laugh.

Friends, I’m in my late 50’s. In my world, men open the doors for me or politely let me cut to the front of the grocery line. But they don't hit on me.

And so I waited to hear what he had to say.

Touched by Unexpected Kindness

After fumbling around for a sentence or two, he finally offered, "I'm not saying you look attractive, I'm just saying there's something refreshing about you."

And because it was still unclear whether this was a compliment, he clarified, "Something emanates from you…a kind of goodness. Something wholesome."

His words, though simple, touched me deeply. They made me feel not exactly “attractive” (his word) but beautiful all the same. And I told him how much his thoughtful comment brightened my day.

Then he gestured for me to step up to the front of the line (see, I told you this always happens to me!), but I declined, explaining that I was waiting to meet a girlfriend.

Ten minutes later, my young friend joined me, and I went over to place our order. Yet when I went to pay, the cashier informed me that the gentleman had already paid for my drink as well as my friend's.

And once again, I was moved by his kindness.

So I grabbed our drinks and walked across the room to thank the generous man, but he was nowhere to be found. It was the strangest thing to lose someone in such a small café. My new gentleman friend had mysteriously disappeared.

And I've been thinking about that sweet exchange ever since.

*Matt’s parents (now at Home with their Savior). Can you see what I mean about my father-in-law’s eyes and smile? *The wise and lovely Jodie Berndt and Susan Yates.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

~ Proverbs 31:30

What Makes a Woman Beautiful

Naturally, I am grateful for the gentleman's compliment.

But what strikes me is how it had very little to do with the outside and almost entirely about what he was sensing on the inside. His encouragement had nothing to do with trendy fashion, silky hair, glowing skin, or toned arms. Far from it. At least in my case. (And I’m not being humble here, simply honest).

Yet, in this world, we're constantly bombarded with 'beauty tips and tricks.' The push is for miracle creams, anti-aging supplements, and skincare devices as if the ultimate compliment is to hear, 'How good you look for your age,' 'How smooth your skin is,' or 'How much weight you've lost.' But this isn't beauty; it's a mere illusion, a mirage that distracts us from the true essence of beauty.

I fear we've traded the beauty of aging gracefully for a desperate grasp of disappearing youthfulness and, frankly, finding it rather empty.

Because when I think of the women I consider beautiful? Truly beautiful? It's not their faces or figures that come to mind but their loving hearts and zest for life. These are people like Corrie Ten Boom, Elisabeth Elliot, Jodie Berndt, and Susan Yates—all women who have significantly impacted my life.

You can see it too, can’t you? When you look at them, you're naturally drawn to their bright smiles, the warmth in their eyes, and their gracious demeanor. These are the qualities that define real beauty.

And what’s really lovely is that these qualities are within reach of every one of us.

A few beauty secrets I've picked up from the women I admire

Maybe this doesn't feel possible based on how you've been feeling lately (especially if judging by the world's measurement). But I’ll let you in on some of the best beauty secrets:

Loving your friends and family well.

Caring about strangers and those in need.

Cultivating a grateful heart (nothing is more drop-dead gorgeous than a thankful woman).

Committing to always growing and learning.

Becoming a woman of prayer.

Drawing near to God.

And please believe me because these are not merely empty words. Pursuing such things will give you that 'certain glow' that no skin cream or fitness routine can come close to replicating. It’s a fact.

There is no shortcut to true beauty, but a life well lived — loving God and serving others — is the most effective beauty regimen you can ever follow.

So, I hope you find this truth as encouraging - and freeing - as it is to me.

P.S. I’d love to hear what you find beautiful! Perhaps someone you admire (and why!) or what qualities are lovely to you? Please share in the comments below. :)

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Favorite Resources and RecommendationsOn My Book Stack: Something New:

One of my top reads from 2023 was Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End by David Gibson. And please don't get the wrong impression from the title; it is not depressing—quite the opposite. It is a hugely impactful book and one I intend to reread in the years to come. Such a slim volume, with such a gentle voice delivering a powerful message.

Something Old: 

You knew I had to mention this one, didn't you? I've read nearly all of Corrie's books, but this one remains my favorite: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It is a beautiful and stirring story of loss, faith, and love. Real history shared from the heart of a woman who walked through it. It's a story you will literally always remember.

Something from Us:

Someone asked why I have yet to include our books here. I don't have a good answer, so I'll mention our best-known books: 100 Ways to Love Your Husband and 100 Ways to Love Your Wife. You can read them individually or go through them together! Short, practical, and surprisingly effective.

*Caprese Orzo Salad from CATZINTHEKITCHEN.comIn Our Kitchen: 

Our warm weather is finally here (it tends to arrive late here in the PNW), so I've been making lots of salads, both as a side dish and as a main dish. And, as we still have "growing boys" around here, I've found that as long as I throw in some extra protein, they enjoy these lighter meals even more than expected.

So, if you're looking for some new ideas OR a tasty twist on an old favorite, here are some wonderfully delicious recipes to try:

Caprese Orzo Salad

Taco Salad

Greek Salad

Weeknight Steak Salad

Italian Chopped Salad

Hospitality In Our Home:

If you’re new here, my husband and I run the Cascades Ranch Guesthouse, a short-term rental, on our property. 

It's officially the busy season for the Guesthouse. We've had back-to-back bookings, which keeps us hopping! We've enjoyed hosting guests from all over—mainly around the U.S. but even as far as Pakistan.

It's especially gratifying for me to host people new to our area—the High Desert, which is primarily cattle ranch country at the foot of the Cascades Mountains. For instance, last night, I looked up to see our delightful guests from Czechoslovakia walking out into the pasture adjacent to our property to take pictures in the sunset. Picturesque to be sure, but we were glad the cattle—particularly the bull only yards away left them alone!

A peek at our Guesthouse

A Closing Blessing

I pray that you will pursue real beauty, the kind that comes from knowing and walking with God.

May you have eyes to see the incredible worth of yourself and others, no matter the age or appearance.

I hope you feel beautiful, seek wisdom as you grow older, and enjoy and embrace the season of life God has you in without worry for tomorrow.

In His grace,

Lisa Jacobson

Find me on Instagram |  Our Books | My Website

A Faithful Life with Lisa Jacobson is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.