My ten year-old son is not a singer. Don't get me wrong. He likes music. He'll often ask to listen to specific songs, but he usually sits in quiet reflection while they play rather than in animated karaoke (which is much more my daughter's speed). So when my reserved, pensive child starts singing (even if … Continue reading Revolutionary Love
Christianity
The Sacrifice of Praise
I love praise music. Regardless of your preference--old school hymns, contemporary Christian, soulful gospel--there is something powerful about using your voice and your body to worship our Creator. I usually try to start out my day with praise music, listening to it as I do my hair and ready myself in the morning; to me, … Continue reading The Sacrifice of Praise
Change Your Why
I HATE cleaning the bathroom. Like, Hate-with-a-capital-H. I'm a writer by day but a momma by night and, with a military husband, many of the household chores usually fall on my shoulders. For the most part, I don't mind. I don't mind packing lunches. I don't mind doing laundry. I don't even mind tidying the … Continue reading Change Your Why
When God Calls Us to Hate
The Bible is full of commands to love. In Matthew 22, Jesus, when questioned about the greatest commandment, replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as … Continue reading When God Calls Us to Hate
Sinful Top 100
Every so often, when I'm reading my Bible, a line will stop me in my tracks...and not in a good way. I love the Psalms and spend a lot of time in them; I find them refreshing and challenging at the same time, a helpful tool especially when I can't find the words to pray. … Continue reading Sinful Top 100
Is It 2023 Yet?
I don't mean to sound like a Debbie Downer here, but the start of a new year always depresses me. There's always so much build-up, so much hype and hope, like everything is going to be magically different the moment the clock strikes midnight on December 31. Okay, and maybe it is for a few … Continue reading Is It 2023 Yet?
The Risks of Prayer
Recently, over coffee with a friend, I learned of another friend who had suffered a heartbreaking personal tragedy. Not only was she suffering physically, but emotionally and spiritually, her grief was intense. I felt a stab of lament for her and assured my friend that yes, I would pray for our mutual friend. It was … Continue reading The Risks of Prayer
Valuable Pain
My ten year-old recently became a metal-mouth. That's right. He's officially joined ranks with the thousands of other adolescents across the years to embark on a journey of the orthodontic variety. I knew early on they were a distinct possibility. After all, I had braces as kid. My husband had braces. My sister, almost all … Continue reading Valuable Pain
Blurry Contacts and Spit Balls
I have had bad eyes my entire life. I've been in glasses since age 5, contacts since age 16, and a combination of both since my 30's. But, when COVID hit, I--like many around me--struggled to get an appointment to see my eye doctor. My usual 12 month hiatus between visits stretched into 16, 18, … Continue reading Blurry Contacts and Spit Balls
Harry Potter and Green Beans
I work really hard to ensure my kids eat healthy foods. Okay, I try to ensure my kids eat healthy foods. Both of them have inherited their momma's sweet tooth, but the rule is they cannot have dessert until everything on their plate is eaten. Even their vegetables. No, especially their vegetables. The other night, … Continue reading Harry Potter and Green Beans