My six-year-old daughter, Zoe, taught me a love lesson exactly one year ago today. After she was tucked in for the night, she padded out of her room – one bare foot and one slipper-socked foot. I tensed, annoyed the finish line to my day was extended. Zoe held up the partner slipper sock in one hand and a gray…
When Is It Ever Enough?
I was about six years old when I realized I couldn’t save the world. Or at least not the kids Christmas choir.
Focus on Beauty – Snippets to Make You Smile
I was encouraged by a Facebook post I saw today. Author Susie Finkbeiner, a woman I respect and admire, acknowledged the winter gloominess but asked what is hopeful in our lives? “Just some little sparks of hope, joy, and love that are making you smile” to brighten the day? I loved this idea! Apparently I wasn’t alone. Dozens of beautiful…
3 Reasons NOT to Read the Bible
I once heard a man say of his wife, “She goes to all these Bible studies, but nothing changes. Guess they’re a waste of time.” Ouch. I can think of numerous reasons why this may have been, but the point remains: The husband didn’t perceive value in his wife being part of Bible studies. Do you side with the husband…
Do You Have Focus? Go Fish.
Sometimes I feel prayer is like playing Go Fish. I ask for what I want. If I get it, I ask for something else – encouraged God heard and answered. But if I don’t get it, it can feel like what I’m told in the game: Go Fish. Select the next card from the draw pile – do the next…
I Want It All or Not At All
I Want It All – My Writing Goal to Be a Decent Person by Pearl Allard This post was first featured on the Breathe Christian Writers Conference blog. You already know all that — that reflecting over last year and making goals is a good way to dive into the New Year — but maybe this year isn’t starting the…
You Are a Priceless Gift (Happy New Year!)
The other day my kids asked me which workout was my favorite? I just laughed. Honest? I hate every workout, every day. (Profuse apologies to my fantastic BeachBody coach Jaime Hall.) I don’t like to move it, move it. (Cue the Madagascar song) But there’s a driving reason behind why I’ve started exercising nearly daily, and it’s not guilt. Guilt is not an excellent driver. (Rainman fans, anyone?) …
A Grace-Filled Breathing Space (Merry Christmas!)
As we pull up chairs to tables this Christmas season, my prayer for you is for quiet miracles of joy to occur, for hearts to connect, and for fear to give way to the peace that goes beyond logic.
Day 31 – Don’t Give Up, Look Up
Thank you for journeying with me these last eleven weeks! We did it! We’ve looked at twenty examples of biblical look up sometimes encounters, listened to songs, watched videos, and absorbed scriptures. And please know…
Day 30 – Love Jesus & Get Stoned
I woke up with a sense of dread carried over from the previous day. It hung over me like Eeyore’s rain cloud. As I lay in bed, not wanting to get up, all I could think was I’m stuck. Stuck in fear. Staying in bed was a dead end. I had to have enough faith to walk out the bedroom door and live this day. Wasn’t that the lesson God taught me…