In these days of hurry and rush, I’ve heard many a news report reminding people to make family dinner a priority. The benefits are many: Shared meals let us connect with our kids, share what’s going on in our lives, and appreciate each other’s company. Or so we’re told. My weekday reality isn’t always… View more
I’m noticing the return of birdsong to our neighborhood today—marveling at the daffodils pushing their way from the ground after winter’s harsh bite. I’m a middle-aged woman, but I feel my little girl self rising inside: I dance around in morning sunshine and stomp my feet through puddles of melted snow when I enjoy an… View more
(Scroll to blue button near end of post for free download.) I struggle out of bed every morning in frustrated denial that a new day has already begun. I mumble to myself as I put on my slippers and head downstairs, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. Ten minutes later, I’ll have lunches packed… View more
A sweet bouquet of orange and pink blossoms graces my dinner table today. My daughter received the cheery flowers after a ballet performance this weekend and decided to share their splendor with the whole family Now, each time I glance toward my kitchen, I’m struck by how much one small thing can change the whole… View more
Do you ever look at your calendar and marvel at the order and symmetry of all those neat little boxes, lined up in precise rows of seven? If your life is anything like mine, your days could be better represented by messy ink blots of various colors and size. (Or perhaps just stains of… View more
Today I’m sitting in a cozy home as snowflakes swirl around outside my window. My coffee cup is full. My feet are tucked into a warm pair of slippers. And I have the joy and privilege of living out my calling to write and encourage other moms. I am blessed. But as I type these… View more
(This post is part of The Enemies of Grace series. Click here to learn more.) I tried to start this post with a story, friends. It’s what a good writer is supposed to do, after all. Throw out a catchy “hook” and reel everyone in with a comedic moment or a tear-jerking anecdote. But instead… View more
(This post is part of The Enemies of Grace series. Click here to learn more.) Sitting behind the wheel of my car, I let out a frustrated sigh as I twisted the key into the ignition. Will I forever feel like a square peg in a round hole? I threw the question toward the overcast… View more
Here toward the end of December, I flutter about amidst presents, and cookies, and festive parties. Family traditions and Christmas twinkle lights bring a cheery glow to my heart. As precious and comforting as all these holiday celebrations may be, though, I don’t want to turn them into a substitute for what my soul most desperately… View more
Do you remember the sights and sounds that filled your childhood home at Christmastime? The feelings of anticipation that stirred in your little heart? When I think about Christmases past, I remember the familiar decorations that my mother placed around the house, impatient curiosity about the packages tucked under our tree, and wide-eyed wonder at… View more
