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
Encouragement
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
Joy Journal Bookmark and Journaling Page
Joy is the serious business of heaven. - C.S. Lewis This month's Bible reading challenge on Pure Joy has caused me to reflect on joy more deeply than ever before. I say that I want joy, but how badly do I really want it? Am I willing to choose and embrace joy over the daily challenges presented? Am I thinking of service as a height of joy rather than a stepping stone to some … [Read more...] about Joy Journal Bookmark and Journaling Page
The Road Marked With Suffering
Today I'm thinking of you. You who are looking at a long road ahead. Maybe you who are staring at a blank wall, wishing that handwriting with clear instructions for the journey would appear. Or maybe you are wishing you could somehow make the wall disappear. I don't know exactly what your wall or obstacle or hurdle looks like. But my heart hurts for you because not only have I been there, but I … [Read more...] about The Road Marked With Suffering
Don’t Wait Until You’re Not Scared
There's something that you really want to do that you're totally afraid to do. I don't know what it is. I don't know your motives and desires behind it. You have been longing to make this dream happen for days. Or maybe weeks. Or months. Or even years. You believe that you can do anything in the strength of the Lord but the truth is? You're afraid. You're afraid that you won't succeed. That … [Read more...] about Don’t Wait Until You’re Not Scared
If Only
Every day I receive emails from folks who have been called to God's work. Oh, whether they feel like they are supposed to start leading a small group or writing a blog or teaching a Bible study or nurturing a group of younger women doesn't really matter. Most of the emails are asking for one thing. Advice on how to begin. They typically write something like: "I've surrendered my life to God and … [Read more...] about If Only