As we roll into the Thanksgiving season, I find myself once again trying to focus on blessings. It is true, no matter what season or circumstance, that God blesses each one of us "abundantly, so that in all things at all times, [we} hav[e] all that [we] need.." (2 Corinthians 9:8), and this time of … Continue reading The Ugly Side of Thankfulness
faith
No Room At the Inn…Again
In the autumn of 1898, two traveling salesmen, John H. Nicholson of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Samuel E. Hill of Beloit, Wisconsin, both arrived at the Central House Hotel at Boscobel, Wisconsin, for the night. The hotel was crowded, harkening back to a story with which the two Christian men were well-aware: "there was no room … Continue reading No Room At the Inn…Again
Leaky Vessels
I inherited a lot of things from my mother. I have her eyes, her nose, her smile. I even have her proclivity for puzzles and love for all things DIY. I did not, however, inherit her green thumb. Not saying I haven't tried. Oh, how I've tried. I love plants, especially indoor ones. And I … Continue reading Leaky Vessels
Constantine and the Cross
By the third century, the Roman Empire--the most powerful and wealthy empire the world had ever seen--was in a state of chaos. Civil wars, invasions, and disease were rampant. Things were so bad, in fact, that historians would later refer to this period as "the Crisis of the Third Century." Emperor Diocletian tried to bring … Continue reading Constantine and the Cross
Hospitals, Rough Drafts, and God’s Calling
Back in the early days of the year-which-shall-not-be-named, my husband and I found ourselves, like many parents across the country, suddenly faced with the task of homeschooling our two kids. It was not a pleasant experience. (P.S. This is not a knock against homeschooling parents. Y'all are my heroes. It was just not a good … Continue reading Hospitals, Rough Drafts, and God’s Calling
Ice Cream and Sin
Although I will never bemoan the blessing of getting older, I have to admit there are certain aspects of it I would rather do without. My eyes that tire when reading way faster than they used to. The soundtrack of pops and creaks my joints make every time I walk up the stairs now. The … Continue reading Ice Cream and Sin
Workin’ 9-5 for the Lord
Writing 'Christian fiction' is more than just a job. For me, it is a unique brand of ministry. Although I often joke that I have the best job in the world because I get paid to sit at home in my sweatpants, making up stories, the reality is so much more than that. I have … Continue reading Workin’ 9-5 for the Lord
You *don’t* Do You
"You do you." It's one of the most prevalent themes of popular culture, a rallying cry for those seeking harmony, unity, and peace among our fractured society. And, on the surface level, all seems well and good. "You do you" basically means you should do your own thing, whatever makes you happy. Likewise, everyone else … Continue reading You *don’t* Do You
The Most Loving “No”
My son hates math. And I totally get it. I do too. But the weird thing is, as much he hates it, he's actually fairly good at it. When he tries. And therein lies the problem--most of the time, he simply doesn't want to try. Let me give an example of a typical afternoon in … Continue reading The Most Loving “No”
Choose Joy
Mother Teresa once said that "the best way to show our gratitude to God is to accept everything with joy. Never let anything fill you with sorrow that forget the joy of Christ risen." This sentiment seems in direct opposition to our culture's mantra today. Our world doesn't believe in choosing joy; instead, it demands … Continue reading Choose Joy