(This post is part of the Enemies of Grace series. Click here to learn more) A few months back, I had the great joy of attending my son’s sixth-grade band concert. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much when I sat down in the auditorium that evening and surveyed the group of beginner musicians on-stage…. View more
Do you ever start your week with an optimistic to-do list, only to end up on Saturday afternoon, wondering how a whole week passed by and you still didn’t manage to get that bill paid or that load of laundry folded? And let’s not even think about the long-term dreams like organizing family photos or… View more
A couple of summers ago, my family headed to the West Coast to visit family in Portland, Oregon. We marveled at the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. (Seriously, I didn’t realize so many gorgeous shades of green could exist together in one place!) And we enjoyed some great time exploring the city together. (They… View more
(This is part of the Enemies of Grace series. Click here to learn more.) It happened while I stood chatting outside with a few other moms. Two young girls skipped around, giggling and having fun in that blessedly screen-free way that only the littlest among us can achieve these days. I was alone, but the… View more
I wait for it every year, as the summer days shorten and the kids hop back on the school bus. That first evening with a little chill in the air. That first tree, tentatively trying out a few new colors on its leaves. Autumn is my favorite season of the year. I love the mums… View more
Welcome to the Enemies of Grace Series! Here, you’ll find posts about 7 slippery habits that pull us away from God’s grace. I call them “slippery” because they can show up in surprising and subtle ways: If we’re not intentional, we might not even notice how they’re quietly filling our hearts. Over time, though, they… View more
(This is part of the Enemies of Grace series. Click here to learn more.) Ever feel like your life has fallen a little out of tune? I still remember trying to play a quiet, old hymn on the piano, called “Haven of Rest.” Sounds like a perfect tune for a group of sleepy nursing home… View more
Okay friends, I want to be delicate here. I know summer lulls us into sweet, sunny, dreams. . . But . . . dare I mention it? School days are returning soon. I know some of you want to hit snooze on this reality–you’ll eek out every second of fun and relaxation you can before hitting… View more
One weekend earlier this spring, I had to stop at the craft store for a “quick trip” to pick up some school project supplies. My daughter was along that afternoon, and let me tell you, this girl loves to shop. If it glitters or glimmers or sparkles or dazzles, she will not only notice it and… View more
There are a lot of ways to be humiliated as a volunteer youth leader. Over the years, I’ve been dragged into all manor of activities that full-grown women should never have to endure: Paintball. Middle-of-the-night pranks. Loud concerts where so-called “Christian artists” assault my ears with their “music.” Of course, the stereotypical youth leader loves… View more
