Happy 2024, everyone! We are so honored that you’re a part of our lives, and would love to do some catch-up on the Eccles crew. It’s a joy to enter the year with the desire to have more of the same kind of living. As an Enneagram 7 I thrive on change, variety, and action. […]
Not my will
On this final week of Advent, we are invited to be a silent participant in the annunciation, the story of Gabriel’s visit to Mary announcing that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. I want us to pay close attention to Mary’s response to this life-altering news and invite us to consider how […]
Holding Life Loosely
Every one of us has something we care deeply about. There are people in your life you can’t imagine living without, and plans we’re passionate about. Maybe you’re planning for the future and investing a lot of time and effort in orchestrating your dreams. Maybe you have a hobby, a craft, or a sport you […]
Overflowing Joy
These past many months I have been marveling at the sweetness of God. I have experienced His presence, His nearness with me almost constantly in a way more intimate than before. Rather than only noticing God at work around me – in conversations or in nature – my spirit is simply aware of Spirit, comfortably […]
The Dance of Grace & Trust
As my daughter creeps closer and closer to six months old, I get more excited and more freaked out. You see, I had a goal of having her solely breastfed for her first six months. In those early weeks I thought, “there is no way in heck I can survive this for SIX MONTHS.” But a wise […]
Our Church
One of my friends sent me a birthday text that included encouragement of what I’d “accomplished” in my 30 years. She listed “several flourished ministries” and I stopped dead in my tracks, thanking God for the privilege of being a part of his Kingdom Work. Last Sunday we were excited to attend our former church […]
Always Aware
My dear, sweet girl, There is so much about pregnancy that no amount of research or real-talk with friends can prepare you for. I knew you would kick and squirm now and then. I had seen pictures or videos of the baby’s movements in mother’s belly. But I never imagined how incredible your motions would feel […]
Teaching Years
Dear Child of Ours, I’ve been quiet lately, at a loss for words. Two months have passed since the adoption fell through. I had been waiting for my breaking point, waiting for the deluge of tears, waiting to collapse into a deep depression. I braced myself for this heartbreak. And it was was heartbreaking. We questioned God, […]
Feeling the Love
Dear God, We were well-loved today. Thank you for the evidence of your truths from Jeremiah 31:2-3. Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have […]
Confessions Contentment Husband Infertility Jesus Letters to My Kids Marriage Ministry Uncategorized
Favor and Honor
Dear Child of Mine, Sometimes I get scared of how life will change when you come. I realize what a great gift these almost-seven years are, just your Dad and me. We can come and go as we please. We can go on dates and visit friends or host a gathering without thinking of how […]