This past December, I sat down with my daughter to work on memorizing her lines for the Sunday school Christmas program at our church. It became an exercise in conviction for me. Conviction #1: I am growing old. My brain zeroed in on the memory work assigned to the fourth-graders, and we started working through… View more
Has anyone else ever wished they had the ability to hibernate? What a brilliant strategy for getting through the winter: Plump yourself up with rich rich foods all fall and then cuddle up in your fur coat and take a good, long nap. I actually attempt this winter coping mechanism nearly every evening. My slightly… View more
“Hurry up!” “Slow down!” “Get your homework done” “Get your backpack loaded.” “Why didn’t you do this?” “Why in the world did you do that?!” If I stop to think about the everyday phrases that fly out of my mouth, these are just a few that come to mind. In the hustle and bustle of… View more
I almost perished on Valentines Day, 1997. Really. Here’s how it happened. Up to that point in life, my romantic life had been. . . lackluster. I would’ve made an exceptional romantic heroine—for a novel about unrequited love. I was a college freshman dreading the arrival of yet another Valentine’s Day with no boyfriend in sight…. View more
I recently opened an old photo book and found some notes I’d stashed inside back in my high school days—words of appreciation scrawled by fellow mission team friends. I remember turning to them, back in my high school days, to find encouragement on days when I was doubting my worth. Their words still touched my… View more
Are you looking for an easy way to show some love to your family and friends? These printable love notes are the perfect way to do that, and they are completely free to download and print. Each note says “I Love You” and leaves a little space for you to add a personal note of encouragement…. View more
Is anyone else getting weary of winter? In December, the cold feels novel: the first snowfalls of the season come with Christmas charm to cast a glow around the edges. But what’s enchanting in December becomes mundane in January and downright merciless by February. I’m sorry Winter, but I feel like it’s time for you to… View more
Earlier this week, I posted a few encouraging Bible verses that help me get by when I’m having “one of those days.” These words help me hold on to a flickering flame of faith, even when I’m being dogged by anxious thoughts or frustrating circumstances. After writing that post I thought it would be… View more
