Christianity – Sanctuary Story

My Take on the Botkin Sisters’ Apology

Posted on September 30, 2026October 1, 2026 by Sanctuary Story

I am writing this without major edits because it’s been an insane month, and I have so much going on. First, Greta Gerwig ruined Narnia for the majority of its fanbase–yeah, I am upset. Second, Noah’s Ark was found…sort of. Now everyone is debating its legitimacy, and it is all rather hilarious to me. But I’m also sitting on my bathroom floor every day with a VERY green face.

Yeah, so I am pregnant–but I am also so sick. This is not my first time being pregnant (although the longest stretch I have ever made into the first trimester), and I am going through all those horrible symptoms that come with the first couple of weeks. It is worth it, though, because I am praying this little life survives. This child is such a miracle, especially since my husband and I were told it would take years for us to have children. Every time I am sick, I remember to be thankful because I know it is a good sign that things are progressing. I need to get through the next couple of months and, Lord willing, a baby will be here next spring.

Oh my goodness, guys, I am going to be a mom! Oh, but also, what a surprise. And, oh, how wonderful is God?

But I am frustrated that I feel too pregnant to work on any of my projects. Even cleaning my house is hard right now. I do not have enough energy to complain about Narnia or investigate anything on the Ark. Then, randomly, I found enough energy to type this post because I came across something that nearly made my eyes pop out of my head: an apology from Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin for their book So Much More.

Gracious, there is literally “so much” to say!

The Quiet Ones – A Love Story

Posted on September 9, 2026September 30, 2026 by Sanctuary Story

As promised, here is the project I have been working on, dedicated to my darling husband Peter, that is, essentially, a testament of the miraculous things God can do in our lives. From my own personal journal, these entries were written over the course of approximately three years. In my gathering and editing of these pieces, there is some repetition in thoughts and ideas–most of which I decided to maintain in the work because I felt it more important to preserve my original diary writer’s voice. Ultimately, The Quiet Ones showcases my inner thoughts and emotions through one of the greatest transitions of my life–marriage and gaining a new home.

Also, Alison Krauss was my musical companion throughout this project. By the time I finished my final edit, I decided “There is a Reason” is my favorite from Alison and Union Station. If you are one of those people who can read and listen to music at the same time, I highly recommend reading through The Quiet Ones with “There is a Reason” playing in the background. Maybe you will come to love this song as much as I do!

“To Go Forward”: Some Writing & A Few Personal Updates

Posted on August 29, 2026September 9, 2026 by Sanctuary Story

Lately, my thoughts have been heavy on John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress—the story of Christian, a man who leaves everything familiar behind to journey toward the Celestial City. The story has always resonated with me, especially the way Christian must leave behind a family who does not understand his plight in pursuit of Christ. One of my favorite lines comes when Christian says:

“To go back is nothing but death; to go forward is fear of death, and life everlasting beyond it. I will yet go forward.”

The Invisible Golden Thread: A Christmas Story

Posted on July 30, 2026September 1, 2026 by Sanctuary Story

For Helen – thank you for showing me Christ

Author’s Note: I wrote this piece as a tribute to a dear friend who took me with her to church on an equally grim Christmas Eve. Like Ellen in the story, my friend helped bring me back to Christ. Her friendship and kindness is something of which I will forever have deep gratitude. Effectively, this story also serves as an excellent piece for Christmas in July, which is why I include such detailed imagery of the wonderful things we all love about the season.

Breaking Barriers: Finding God in My Bible

Posted on July 11, 2026August 13, 2026 by Sanctuary Story

“I am not theologically smart enough to speak on that,” I would constantly tell people. “Someone else can speak on that, but I can’t. Deep discussions about the Bible and God just aren’t my thing.”

Until this past week, I had forgotten how firmly I had once held this perspective. As a young woman, the Bible was for smart people–those who had thick theology books on their shelves–who could engage in long, tough conversations. Even worse, it felt like God was an old, angry man who did not want me or my problems. There were so many barriers that kept me frozen, feeling like an outsider to my own faith. Not until more recent years have I felt that disconnect fade, and have now realized how Scripture truly is for all of us.

So much of what was in my life was such a lie…I wonder if anyone else feels the same.

No Room for Grace – An Academic Essay

Posted on September 1, 2025August 30, 2026 by Sanctuary Story

“The Pursuit of Happiness” Defined by Jonathan Edwards and Thomas Paine – An Academic Essay

Posted on September 1, 2025August 30, 2026 by Sanctuary Story

Author’s Note: This was my final essay for my college English class. My professor asked us to take two important figures from the Enlightenment era, with opposite worldviews, and write about the things they might have had in common. I chose theologian Johnathan Edwards and American Founding Father Thomas Paine. Comparing their beliefs — Christianity versus atheism — was a fun task!