I sleep with the window open because the cool breeze is irresistible. The days have been beautiful here, not too cold or too hot, and it’s been a wonderful spring to enjoy. And I’ve woken up every morning this past week to a symphony of birds singing–chirping and tweeting and talking to each other. And while they’re […]
For When You Dare to Risk Enough to Be Real
Are you daring enough to be real? Are you willing to tell a friend the raw truth because you believe they’ll be better because of it? Because you can see beyond the conflict of the now? Are you willing to risk being hurt in order to gain relationship? Are you willing to open up? To […]
For When Memorizing is Intimidating and Change is a Challenge :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 4}
I have always been intimidated by scripture memory. For whatever reason it seemed too difficult to accomplish–too lofty a goal. Don’t get me wrong, I could memorize a verse here or there, and growing up, I did. But as far as large passages, forget it! I had just never really tried. But there is something to be said for […]
When You’re in Need of a Book to Change Your Life
I want to write a book someday. And if there’s one thing I know about becoming an author, whatever I write needs to matter—it needs to be capable of changing a life. And there are many books that have done that for me–books that left me changed. Books that have a message that stays with me long […]
For When Community Feels Too Risky and You Feel Rejected :: (in)RL Starts TODAY!!
I can’t wait for tomorrow night. I can’t wait to experience community. I’m hosting an (in)RL meet-up and I invited 78 in-real-life friends too, and I’m choosing joy and excitement because 6 said YES! And I won’t lie, I’m a bit disappointed. I wish more wanted to come be with me in community, especially those […]
When You Long to Be Satisfied and Supremely Happy :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 3}
I love to eat, and most of all I love dessert. And I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve had a temporary addiction to Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt lately, which is dangerous to both my waistline and my wallet. I think about eating Pinkberry hours before I do, and just imagining that sweet frozen swirl of goodness, with the […]
My Weekend Wish For You {Together with Joy and Laughter and Love}
 Joy can be contagious, and laughter the best medicine. We weren’t created to live life alone, and our hearts are happier and our lives more full when we live life together … when we let go of our inhibitions and live in the now—talking and laughing and embracing just because we can. I used […]
How to Give the Ultimate Gift
I’ve been saving things for a long time. And after having 4 kids in 6 years, it’s not surprising how much I’ve accumulated, and it’s time to pass it on. Last fall, a co-op friend alerted me to a huge consignment sale in our local area–one they hold twice a year. So last October, we moseyed over […]
For When You Need to Quit Performing to Earn God’s Love and Blessing :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 2}
 I want to live a life that is blessed, and I think most of you do too. And I’m thankful that the blessings God gives are not dependent upon our performance. His love for us never changes, no matter what we do. But unfortunately, some well-meaning people get the idea that if they could BE more […]
Press On, my Friend! {In Whatever Season You’re In}
I know the good-bye is coming. Because of my experience I know how the time is going to fly. And how is it, I can know that—how can I say I want to make every moment count, but still allow their childish silliness and rowdy laughter to make me crazy on a daily basis? And I […]
