As the Advent season progresses, I find my mind traveling to those ancient streets of Bethlehem more and more, to the beautiful story of the pregnant woman in the stable, the animals keeping watch as our Savior was brought into the world in the most humble of circumstances. But every so often I have to … Continue reading In The Space Between Promises
#wellnesswednesday
When Glory Days Have Passed, THE Glory Does Not
When you hear the name "King David," what do you think of? Perhaps you think of the small boy who, in the strength of the Lord, defeated the giant Goliath with only a slingshot and a few stones. Or maybe you think of the strong, capable chosen man of God who could have easily overtaken … Continue reading When Glory Days Have Passed, THE Glory Does Not
The Ugly Side of Thankfulness
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
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
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