MEET JOAN BORTON
Journeying through Marriage, Disability and Faith
Joan has a truly authentic faith that is not afraid to look honestly at some of the murkier parts of life. She approaches life’s difficulties with humor, wit, and unshakeable trust in God. Her writing is a true reflection of who she is.
FOCUS 2021
After taking stock on how grit impacted my past year, focus became my word for 2021. Now that the new year is four weeks old, it is time for my first monthly focus check. Though focus is a commonly used word, I like to have its meaning clear in my mind....
Capacity, Stress, and a Paper Shredder
Have you ever followed a paper trail? I did when I saw confetti sized paper all around the front office and a fountain of paper stuck in the shredder. At the end of the trail, I found the machine stuffed beyond capacity. This was not the first time. Thus the neon...
It’s All in the Cards and Rosters and Yearbooks and. . .
Never let your husband give up on his dreams. This is one of the best pieces of marriage advice I received. For my husband, baseball has always been a big part of his passion and...
Gimme A Break!
Arranging a long weekend away for me every few months is one of the many ways Jerry expresses his care for me. A group of guys from church volunteer to help with his evening and morning routines. I am free to travel, hole up and sleep, write, or any other...
Oh.My.Word!
I never saw myself as a word-of-the-year person. I never considered the idea. . . . . .Until three years ago, after moving to a new state. There was nothing mystical or ethereal, I just sensed that...
Is It Worth the Struggle?
Slogging through Jell-o. That’s what riding my bike felt like earlier this week. I noticed my speed was reduced. I had to use a lower gear. I couldn’t ride as far. It was hard work. I had missed a few days of riding. Did it really make that much difference? It was...
How to Combat the Unseemly Pride of Caregiving
Yesterday I had the privilege of being a guest on the radio show/podcast Hope for the Caregiver. In my conversation with host Peter Rosenberger, I recalled a scenario from our early years of marriage. I was scheduled to sing special music at our church’s evening...
Valentine’s Day, Romance and the Song of Solomon
On the heels of Valentine’s Day, may I ask, how was the romance? We went to dinner at a restaurant new to us, but not fancy schmancy. We had great food and good conversation. Apparently, we made a good choice to eat early, as the line was out the door with people...
Tired? Worn? Who Cares for You?
I’m tired, I’m worn. These words by Tenth Avenue North in their song, "I'm Worn" could be the mantra of every caregiver. The song continues, "a heart that is heavy; worn from the work it takes to keep on breathing, your soul feels crushed by the weight of this...