Last month my sweet friend Maria prayed that God would show up as Provider in tangible out-of-the-box ways. What’s your rent? she asked. I’m going to pray He brings that money in somehow. I smiled over the phone and stifled a laugh. We’re fine. Does God really care about paying our rent through random acts of kindness? We’re praying for …
You are not Broken
You are not broken; you are human You are on a faith journey. This faith is one of fierce love, authentic depth and extravagant grace. Grace for you and grace for myself. Grace for us who carry more than God intended. Grace as we journey the beauty of caring without carrying. Grace to not expect perfection or fix with solutions. …
Choosing REAL Anniversary & Giveaway!
One year ago today- December 1st- my maiden voyage of a book, Choosing REAL released into the world. While it feels like a fafillion years ago, we’re celebrating the bookaversary with a giveaway and a behind-the-scenes story. *** Once upon a time there was a new author who wrote a book, sent the manuscript to her publisher, edited back and …
Sunday Confession: Honest Thoughts About Christmas & Creative Ideas for Budget-Minded Souls
Are you excited for Christmas? she asked. No. I nothing it. The words tumbled out before I knew I felt them. Been there before? Not sure how you felt until someone asked you and suddenly, whelp, there it is. I’m dreading Christmas, actually. We’re on a slim budget. I want to throw big dinner parties and the reality of opening our …
Dear Friend, What’s on your Heart?
Hi friend, It’s chilly out and the sky is waving her autumn leaves; those that have yet to drop. My oldest is on the couch, his lap practically in mine, a 3 day fever breaking my heart. I find my thoughts drifting to you. What does your day look like? What are you carrying on your plate? In your heart? …
I Shall Not Want
I’m gobbling up Psalm 23 with a newfound appreciation for these old school verses. “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” The first line stills me and I find myself whispering this phrase under my breath a dozen times a day; thinking of the simple significance of David’s words when I wish for life to go different. “The …
How to Experience Hope in Hopelessness
I didn’t get out of bed until 11am. Yesterday I took a mid-day nap and fell asleep reading shoulder to shoulder with our oldest at 8pm. Motivation has withered. Purpose is foggy. I applied at the library- the library, friends. The very one which holds my book on its shelf, and I couldn’t even get an interview. Bryan has applied …
Reminders in the Sky
To date there is no other place I experience God so right-here-present-and-close-I-could-taste-Him near as when I sit among the expanse of green meadow behind David Arm’s Gallery in historic Leiper’s Fork. The ways the trees sway, conducting classical music coming from inside. The adirondack chairs, the open fields, the yellow leaf bursts against a sapphire sky. Up, up, up a …
Sunday Confession: Take THAT Salmonella
There once was a girl who loved baking chocolate chip cookies. Any chance she got. Her mother cautioned her not to eat the dough for fear salmonella would sicken her dessert-obsessed spirit. While the girl spooned scoops onto the baking sheet, she simultaneously (and secretly) scooped raw dough into a Tupperware, promptly walked upstairs and put the bowl under her …
Sunday Confession: Reclaiming myself in the Kitchen
Yesterday my friend Crystal invited me to (in)courage’s event, (in) real life Friended, surrounding friendship. I was struck by the words from one of the speakers- was it Kristen Strong or Jen Schmidt? My memory escapes, but what I remember was this: “People are inspired by our strengths, but they connect to our failures.” Boom. Isn’t that the truth? But here’s …