Christmas carols fill the air; smiles and laughter are everywhere. A stroll through town reveals glistening windows boasting of tasty holiday treats and shiny red ribbon. Twinkling lights dance in unexpected places and bounce off sparkling trees. Whether you appreciate lots of gold and glitter or simple candles, the blessing of our Lord’s birth is celebrated with expression! While Christmas is … [Read more...] about Hope for A Difficult Christmas Season
Encouragement
Twas the Plight Before Christmas
Twas the plight before Christmas, when all through the house Everything was stirring, perhaps even a mouse; The stockings were barely hanging by a thread without care, Because little hands wouldn't leave them there; The children were wild and dancing with glee, They truly were hyper, playing the Wii; And Daddy’s still shopping, and I heave a big sigh, There’s so much to do … [Read more...] about Twas the Plight Before Christmas
5 Ways to Love Your Spouse When Life Is Hard
This post has been brewing in my head and heart for weeks. I've been watching my sweet Taylor girl grow thinner and weaker, fighting a battle that she never requested. When your child is dying, and especially during the stages of suffering, grieving becomes the norm. Grief doesn't wait for the day of death. No, grief begins long, long before then. I'll never forget the day that Taylor's … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Love Your Spouse When Life Is Hard
One Super Easy Way to Encourage Yourself
Sometimes life is overbearing, isn't it? I know you know what I'm talking about. On Monday night, I posted this personal explanation: Almost every day for the past two weeks, someone in the community has asked me about Taylor and told me they are praying for her. Friday at Sam's. Yesterday at church. Today in the nail salon (of all places!) And it's really hard to explain Taylor, because with … [Read more...] about One Super Easy Way to Encourage Yourself
Letting Your Leaves Fall
Little yellow leaves from the front yard tree dance across the porch and driveway. As their bright green color fades, it seems they fall almost as quickly as they change. I love summer affectionately and part of me longs to whisper to the tree “Hold on a little longer. Come on; you got this. Think green!” But graciously the tree listens to its Maker rather than my foolish whispers. In order to … [Read more...] about Letting Your Leaves Fall
7 Ways to Create a Faith-filled Workspace
When I wrote One More Step, I didn’t have a workspace to call my own. I wrote in coffee shops, on my bed, on the couch, or from the dining room table. It felt like a little here, there and everywhere. Perhaps you can relate. With school starting soon, taking time to think through and organize your office space can be a wonderful way to prepare for a new season. With the busy work days ahead, I … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Create a Faith-filled Workspace
Jesus Calling Devotionals Review & GIVEAWAY
This week I've been taking an inventory of our family's devotionals and thinking about what to do this year for individual quiet times. Once school begins, I will have 5 children in 4 different schools and 4 daily schedules. You can see why streamlining a quiet time routine for them is so important, right? For the last 4 years, my favorite devotional both for myself and the children is Jesus … [Read more...] about Jesus Calling Devotionals Review & GIVEAWAY
7 Ways to Curb Constant Worry
Our family was blessed to spend last week away from home, enjoying each other and nature. But even before we headed back home, I felt the worries of life begin to creep into my mind and heart, trying to steal joy-filled moments right out from under me. I did not want my joy-filled moments self-destroyed or Satan-destroyed by worry! I'm guessing you don't either. If we have no money, we worry … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Curb Constant Worry