Latest Posts

A Letter to My Friend on Her Darkest Night

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 for W. @audreycfrank.com Dear KSICJF&E, My dearest Kindred Spirit In Christ Jesus Forever and Ever you know I am so much better at written words than spoken ones. Spoken words have gotten me in more trouble than I would like to admit in my life. But you already know that too well about me. So I… Read More

A New Name for a New Year

@audreycfrank In the very place where they were once named Nobody, they will be named God’s Somebody (Hosea 1:10, The Message). I once knew a girl who was ashamed of her name.  It was an unusual name, an uncommon name, a name which caused others to ask its origin. When the unavoidable question came, the girl would avert her eyes and mumble a soft explanation that left the questioner confused but with the distinctly uncomfortable impression… Read More

The Value of Small Beginnings

What will you begin in 2019? @audreycfrank Alert and ready to leap out of bed at any given second, I lay in the dark and listened. The sound of a rat running back and forth on the bedpost inches from my head had me frozen in place, afraid if I breathed he might make a detour and jump on my head.  What on earth is he carrying in his mouth with such dedication? I wondered to… Read More

Christmas is for the Naughty

@audreycfrank Tears streamed down her face as she tried to explain between sobs what was causing her so much woe.  “Jusdhat siadillf mmmeisgah wumph!” I do not speak Sobbing Hiccup very fluently, and I truly had no idea what was making my child so upset. One minute we were driving happily down the road on a sunny afternoon, talking about Christmas. The next thing I knew she was unintelligible and crying her eyes out. Turning… Read More

The Christmas Lamb

@audreycfrank I struggled to open the lock on our massive wooden front door. Bang, bang, bang! Whoever was on the other side was impatient. Finally, the latch gave way, the weight of the door pushing it inward. Standing in a pool of golden lamplight was a woman about my age. The burqa she wore was shabby and torn but tidy and clean. Chin held brave and high, she looked directly at me with dignity despite… Read More

Smelly Stables: Lessons From the Real Mary

@audreycfrank It was Christmastime in a land far from home. I was expecting our third child, and my sense of smell was working overtime. Nauseated and homesick, my attitude was anything but joyful. I was pretty sure I was inadequate for the tasks in front of me at that time in my life, and a sick pregnancy was not helping me feel courageous or motivated.  Bundling up one afternoon, I sought solace and fresh air outdoors… Read More

Searching for Jesus at Christmastime

@audreycfrank It was Christmas Eve and we were very far from home. I made my way out of the ancient, walled part of the medieval North African city where we lived and wound up the narrow road that clung precariously to the towering hillside. My small car joined a throng of little taxis, dusty vans, donkeys, and people on foot. The sounds of one of my favorite Christmas carols rose in my ears as I… Read More

My Favorite Holiday Recipe

@audreycfrank Our family has one secret recipe. I gladly share all the others with friends, but this recipe is top-secret, and only my children will carry it on. It tells the story of our love and our life, and one day, our legacy.  Deep in the bush of Africa as a new bride, I had to figure out how to meet my husband’s need for chocolate. Over time I developed a moist, dark and delectable… Read More

Hope for Thanksgiving

@audreycfrank He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, And from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.  They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.  Psalm 18:16-19, a thanksgiving psalm of David… Read More

The Interruption of Thanksgiving

@audreycfrank I would rather go on my grumpy way, most days. I hate to admit it. But seeing the world as a to-do list, annoying and pressuring, is much more natural some days than seeing it as a gift to be opened carefully, thoughtfully, joyfully. I confess I am an ingrate who has been given more than she deserves, loved with a love that I never earned. I have every reason to be thankful every… Read More