Encouraging a vibrant, everyday faith.
May 20th, 2013
This past weekend I had the privilege of leading a retreat for an incredible group of women. We discussed being real and authentic in our relationships and how that starts with understanding who we are because of God’s love for us. I shared my own testimony of holding people at arm’s length and hiding behind ...
April 29th, 2013
I woke up to birds chirping this morning and the sun shining. Those are big deals around here, considering last week we had rain, snow and hail all on one day. I dug in the dirt in my garden this weekend. Even planted a few seeds. I’m reminded that the seasons do eventually change, and ...
April 22nd, 2013
Last week was one of those weeks where I had to consciously practice the discipline found in Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. The things that are right and ...
April 14th, 2013
Over the weekend, a group of us gathered in my favorite coffee shop to shoot a video to promote my book. (I can’t wait to show you the final product!) I watched, in awe, as community spontaneously combusted around me. It’s one thing to write a book about doing life together. It’s another thing to ...
April 8th, 2013
Thank you for your great participation in the Drop Everything and Encourage Day Challenge! (D.E.E.D.). The winner of the Dayspring pack of cards is…… Charmie!! Sandra posted a link to the “Random acts of Kindness Plate” in the comments as a great idea to encourage someone. It’s super creative and easy to do. I’m thinking ...
April 1st, 2013
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I should call that person or send her a card….” and then the thought passes and so do the weeks? Then a few months later you find yourself cringing as you think again, “I should call that person or send her a card….” If you’re like me, you mean ...
March 11th, 2013
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Philippians 4:8 MSG Anyone else have spring fever? Ready for spring break? Hitting that low ...
March 6th, 2013
A couple weeks ago during church, Little Miss’s small group leaders encouraged each child to write a letter to someone thanking them for keeping the peace. Their theme for the month had been “peace” and apparently this was a final activity to drive the point home. So Little Miss wrote a letter to my Dad ...
February 8th, 2013
Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of sharing with the women at Walloon Lake Community Church in Northern Michigan about “Spreading the Aroma of God’s Love.” This was one of the most FUN women’s events I have ever been to, and the planning committee did such a fantastic job. If you’re ever looking for a ...
February 7th, 2013
“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” Matthew 5:41 “The extra mile is never crowded” Or so a church sign boasted. I confess, the glib statement kicked up some unholy thoughts. You see at the time I passed the sign, I happened to be running mile 20 of a ...
