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I reached out to a friend to chat about a few ideas, and she mentioned something that we both do quite often – clean out the clutter. There are times when I can have a throwaway pile in minutes. Other days, I linger over every little thing, convinced I might need it next week. You […]
Ever lose something and wonder where in the world it disappeared to? I lost my tablet pen recently and was convinced it had vanished into thin air. And just like that pen, sometimes I sense that something is missing in my life that was once there. For days, I searched, convinced it was gone – […]
Last week, I set out to conquer something that has always made me uneasy: the stairmaster at the gym. Just looking at it makes me feel like I’m high in the sky, like the Jetsons, and the idea of moving stairs has never been my thing. As a kid, I once fell on an escalator, […]
I have been reminding myself a lot lately that “I can do this.” While there are days I want to take a long getaway from the routine, I also know I might need to stay. Stay in the season, I hear the Holy Spirit prompting me. Even so, my heart hopes at the thought of […]
Has this year seemed to rush by you? Is time’s pace picking up? Time seems to be going even faster than ever before. Maybe it’s true what I’ve heard many say. The older you get, the faster time goes. Why don’t we notice the time passing when we’re young? Maybe our childlikeness kept us a […]
It seems as if the holidays are in a hurry once again this year. My thoughts are still stuck on summertime. Meanwhile, it is mid-fall with Thanksgiving upon us. However Thanksgiving looks like for you, here is one thing we can all do: think thankfully. If all your thoughts were written on a scroll today, […]
A couple of months ago, on a flight across several states, I looked out the small airplane window to check out the scenery below me. It was all desert, and from high above, it was breathtaking. I couldn’t see any rows of houses or roads. No houses. No roads. Not even the hills of trees […]
As I sit on the front porch, listening to the light rain and the thunder in the distance, I allow my thoughts to be honest and ask my questions. Why do opinions seem to rule over humanity? Why does it seem like it’s harder to find kindness in an ordinary day that we work, travel, […]
On the same stretch of Interstate that I’ve traveled for years, I noticed something I had never noticed before. There was a billboard, and I don’t recall what the advertisement was. What caught my attention were all the sheep grazing underneath this massive billboard. I have driven these roads countless times and have never noticed […]
I love a good treasure hunt. I’ve been on a treasure hunt before, the most memorable one being at a birthday party when I was eight years old. It was a birthday party that did not disappoint, which included the best treasure hunt set up in my friend’s backyard. From hitting piñatas full of candy […]
What is something you can’t do without? The simple, yet desired things, may come to mind. Maybe it’s coffee in the morning, a daily walk, or a Sunday afternoon nap. Some days, they really do feel like something we can’t do without. It could even go beyond the simple. Perhaps we have deep dreams and […]
If you drive down the winding roads of the deep heart of the country, you may pass by yards with freshly washed laundry drying in the sunshine on a clothesline. Observing the laundry waving in the breeze reminds me of simplicity and slowness, which many of us long for on busy days. Fast-paced, full days […]
I recently went on a journey of spiraling thoughts. For months, I didn’t quite feel myself, and I even thought a trip (or two or three) to the doctor’s office would bring some clarity. That was not the case. I couldn’t get out of the overthinking and anxious cycle. Have you ever experienced this? Perhaps […]
It was the weekend, and I was excited to visit my favorite bagel place. While I got a later start than I would have liked, I assured myself I had plenty of time to do everything I had planned. I go to the counter to order my favorite bagel, only for the cashier to say […]
If you’re new here, welcome! If you’ve been here for a while, thank you. I have had fewer blog posts lately because I have been creating a devotional book from the blog for all my reading friends. I am so excited to share that it will be here soon. I have shared my heartfelt reflections, […]
Something about the vast open space of the sky can shift my focus from the crowded thoughts in my mind. On an early morning drive well before dawn, I was captivated by the quarter moon shining in the cold, dark morning sky, accompanied by a single twinkling star. I couldn’t help but reflect that even […]
Today, I honor a friend, Kay McDaniel, who now makes heaven her home. Has God placed people on your path that are treasured gems? Kay was one of those friends for me, and I am making space on the blog today to reflect on a woman who was a gem to me and so many […]
Can you picture the one person in your life who is always rooting for you? I can think of one and a few others who have always rooted for me and supported me in my dreams. These are the people in our lives who cheer us on, encouraging us to keep going and not give […]
What do we do when we forget the one thing we need? When I was a tween, I noticed the Rice Crispies box and thought making rice crispy treats would be great. The box had a recipe, so I thought I was all set. I started mixing the cereal with butter and tried to mold […]
Have you ever done a double-take looking out the window? Arriving early at the office one morning, my gaze immediately caught the light in the window. The deep orange glow of the sun peaking behind the mountain outside was mesmerizing. I paused from what I was doing to wait for the sun to make its […]
Many of us are mug collectors. There are so many mugs to choose from, and if they speak to us, they may just go home with us. While I have a few mugs, I know some friends have many shelves devoted to them in the kitchen cabinets. If that’s you, I would love to come […]
I gathered everything I needed—or so I thought—and headed out the door with both hands full. As I reached the car, I had a nagging feeling that I had forgotten something, but I brushed it off and kept going. Thankfully, I didn’t get far before realizing that I had forgotten my glasses. Feeling inconvenienced, I […]
As I return from taking some time off of day-to-day life, I am grateful for the rest. While I love a good, solid routine, sometimes, I welcome the break. When we step away, we often can make space for reflection and rest. While many may wait for the end of a calendar year to reflect, […]
I was surprised to see flowers growing in the middle of the front yard. The dark pink petunias seemed to glow amidst all the green grass blades. Last year, we had a bare spot in our front yard and transferred some dirt to fill it. Not realizing there were remnants of last summer’s flowers, I […]
What do you love most about yourself? This question may make you laugh and want to move on to another question. If you’re naturally confident, this may be easy to answer. For others, we may be slower to answer. Out of the blue the other day, I asked myself this question. What do I love […]
Despite feeling tired and longing to be home as I stood in line to grab dinner, I felt a nudge in my heart to turn around to talk to the lady behind me. She was several decades older than me, and the smile that emerged on her face when I started talking to her seemed […]
With spring finally arriving, there’s no better place to go than to a greenhouse full of flowers. As I entered the greenhouse full of green plants and flowers, I felt the warmth surrounding me. The warmth of the space was a great escape from the cold air outside. As I entered, I thought of how […]
As I sit drinking coffee in the early morning, listening to a bird singing right outside my window, I realize this is right where I want to be. While the demands of the day will come soon, I enjoy this very moment. I could easily get caught up in swirling thoughts that may want to […]
Several years ago, I decided to change jobs. I was excited about the change, but when I got there, it seemed like challenges were flying from left to right. I questioned and wondered if I had made the right choice. Fast forward a few years later, another door opened. Looking back, I see now what […]
Everything is still white around me. There is so much white space. White space, as in a lot of snow. A lot to this Southerner, I should say. Even with the sun shining, the snow-covered ground shines back with a twinkle, not letting go of the white because of the bitter cold temperatures. The snow […]
Ready or not, here we are in another new year. While there is a lot of focus on resolutions swirling around us this time of year, what I’m finding that matters most is embracing the moment, the here and now. I honestly haven’t thought much about resolutions. Maybe because I know last year’s remain unfinished. […]
There is something special about seeing the stars in the morning before dawn. There’s a stillness and peace that sparkle with them. While driving, I noticed a shooting star straight ahead of me. It was as if the Father wanted me to notice the star’s sparkling descent. It was slow and graceful. Such a simple […]
The festivities are in full swing in this season of twinkling lights, wrapping paper, and classic Christmas songs. Standing in line among others in a crowded store with all things Christmas, I paused to listen to the young, kind-hearted teenager who mentioned her struggle with an audio-processing disorder. In another store, the woman in front […]
Do you have a daily routine that helps your day? Before jumping into a full calendar, it could be as simple as your coffee and quiet time. I know that’s my favorite time of the day. Or maybe it’s enjoying worship music or a podcast while sitting in the carpool line at school as you […]
These days, I find myself settling into a chapter of Scripture for weeks. While it would be easy to want to jump ahead and move on, maybe it’s okay to turn our pause into settling in and staying awhile. We all know life can be a rush. It’s almost second nature. Can I say it? […]
In the past couple of years, I have planted close to a hundred trees in my yard. It has been an adventure since I’m not a tree expert on evergreens. I’ve learned along the way and celebrated the moments where I’ve seen growth. We have a Creator God who is always in our midst, giving […]
I’ve had a question that’s been dwelling in my mind this week. I think it’s good to consider even if there’s no complete answer. (Do we always need an answer, though?) Can we find harmony when joy and sorrow collide with one another? Joy and sorrow are interwoven into our journeys. While finding balance in […]
Writing has always been within me. I remember in third grade, we had a class project to write and design our very own book. Of course, there was no publishing deal, but I was ecstatic about the book project. As a third grader, I loved to draw, and writing brought me great joy, too, so […]
What’s your all-time favorite tradition? Maybe it’s Fall festivities just around the corner, or maybe it’s your annual beach vacation, which will take some time before it circles back around again. Perhaps you enjoy a ceremony of a traditional wedding or something as simple as your quiet, coffee morning time. We hold onto many traditions […]
Do you have more than one thing that has your focus today? On top of an already full day, you have three invites from friends you still need to respond to. Maybe you have multiple projects that you have started, and all are still incomplete. You have a lot of good things on your plate, […]
Hidden in the back of one of my closets sits a bookcase filled with a lot of books. While this hidden bookcase doesn’t open up to a secret room, I realize it’s not the usual place for a bookcase. It’s different than most places for a bookcase, but it seems to fit there perfectly. Tucked […]
The first blooms of my wildflowers
DIYs. They can be absolutely wonderful or mere chaos. I recently decided to take on a do-it-yourself project, and I must say, I’m glad I did. After recently renovating my kitchen, I realized my kitchen table no longer matched the rest of the room. I like my table, though. It fills the space perfectly, and […]
Every time I go to the ocean, I’m mesmerized by the waves coming in to meet the shoreline. I find watching the waves roll in time well spent. Something about the waves’ rhythm brings me to a place of reflection and peace. While waves may often be thought of as life’s burdens crashing in on […]
Your friend asks you the question that has been asked countless times before, “How are you doing?” Your response may often be the famous “I’m fine.” However, the truth behind “I’m fine” may be far from fine. I’ve been there before, and maybe you have, too. Without any walls, and in complete honesty, what does […]
Stepping into summertime may bring a new rhythm for you. Maybe you can catch your breath and find a slower pace, or maybe it is overflowing with activities. I always like a good flow, so full is not always bad. Whatever it looks like, does your rhythm give you space in between? In your season […]
Spilled coffee and ignoring my GPS have been a couple of my minor mishaps to being deep in thought only to realize I missed my turn. I could quickly slap the label “clumsy” on myself but not today. Today, I say let’s do away with the labels. As I was pulling into my driveway, a […]
I found a gem in Scripture today. There’s something about sitting with Jesus. He brings us to a place of peace and hope. It’s also a place you’ll always find a gem to treasure in your heart. Whether we’re mourning a loss, pushing through as we carry burdens, or looking for a spark of joy […]
Ever want to skip to the end? It’s tempting to want to bypass the process and cross the finish line. There is great purpose in the process, though. When we’re amid undesirable circumstances, we may anticipate jumping to the end. But we all know many things are out of our control, and it’s not quite […]
How about we take the scenic route today? While I can tend to resist change, change can also be refreshing to my daily rhythms of life. Sometimes, a change of scenery can be the one thing to get us back into the right rhythm. There are those days we need to see beyond the normal […]
My best days are the ones that flow with a rhythm of stillness and ease. These are the most welcoming days. So, what about the days filled with agendas and non-stop going? I had one of those days recently, crammed with something that seemed to fill almost every hour. That’s when we choose to look […]
It’s coming! I can always feel the hopeful anticipation as spring sneaks in with a few early surprises before its official arrival. Birds are chirping even before sunrise. I imagine they are like me, excited for their tree perches to bud with leaves and for my season of sitting on my front porch to begin. […]
When the new year starts, is there one word that usually is on your heart that becomes your word for the year? For some, a word of the year has come. For others, the word is still stirring. A word will immediately spark my heart for some new years. Other years, I find myself pondering. […]
Who are your people? We all have our circles, tribes, and tables that include remarkable people with whom we confide and cherish. I love my table of people; small yet perfectly all I need. I also love the table when it’s just Jesus and me. Jesus is the One who will always circle your life. […]
I’ve been in the habit of looking at the back of food labels as I grocery shop. Becoming more health conscious in this season of life, if I see high fructose corn syrup, it goes right back on the shelf. If there is a never-ending list of words I can’t pronounce, it probably needs to […]
Do you wear a fitness watch to count your steps? Sometimes I do, but I don’t wear it most days because I find it to be more of a distraction. Once I’ve reached my goal in steps, mine will light up with fireworks to celebrate that I have achieved my goal for the day. While […]
Simple joys are something I like to revisit more than once here on this blog. It’s an invitation to pause from life, even if it’s just for a minute or two. I imagine giving yourself a minute or two will make room for even more time to enjoy what brings you joy during the ordinary […]
In college, I observed a court case for one of my classes. The defendant approached the bench and said, “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Sometimes the truth can be challenging, but honesty always brings light. I don’t ever want to be on a witness stand myself, […]
I can get in a hurry sometimes. I’m running late, so I drive faster. I have too many things on my to-do list, so I rush through so I don’t feel overwhelmed. But what if I slowed down? Pausing is so good in a world that constantly rushes you to the next best thing. As […]
Last week, we reflected on goodbyes and hellos. It can be so good for our souls to reflect on what we’ve said goodbye to and to anticipate how we can welcome in and say hello to the new, new thoughts or new hope. To be intentional, we pursue something with purpose. Our Creator designed us […]
Sometimes I need to be reminded. I’m not talking so much about reminders not to forget a date on my calendar, although I need those reminders. Instead, it’s those reminders to reflect on the goodness of the goodbyes and the anticipation of the hellos yet to come. As we say goodbye to another year, may […]
When I was a kid, I spent most of my time outdoors. Whether riding my bike or making villages in the dirt, playing outside was my favorite. One afternoon, my sister and I and our friend next door were inspired by a truck bed full of oranges and decided they would make great grenades. We […]
You know those moments when you know you’ve encountered God? You know, those you-know-that-you-know moments? I have many of those moments that truly are unexplainable. You’ve been there, too. Even if we can’t quite express the experience, we can celebrate and rejoice together. The author of your heart rejoices with you, too. I treasure how […]
When someone says, “you are loved,” how do you respond? I’ll go first. There was a time when I would immediately start thinking of my flaws. I can’t keep up. I’m too quiet. I’m certainly not trendy enough. I’m not as engaging as she is. The flawed thoughts would go on and on. That was […]
I’m trying something new. Digital art. Am I a pro at it? Far from it, but I’m so glad for YouTube tutorials. While it’s taking me some time (a lot of time) to learn how to use design software, it’s so much fun. The more time I invest in learning about it, I know I […]
This past Saturday, I decided to “Swiffer” the entire house. It felt like a deep clean kind of Saturday, requiring a little extra time and effort. Not even halfway into the cleaning frenzy, I noticed I had more dust than I realized. The more I swept and Swiffered, the more it seemed like dust bunnies […]
As I scanned the room of people, I noticed everyone in conversation, laughing and sharing. I saw many friends who I knew I could strike up a conversation with. However, I noticed someone sitting alone in the back as everyone else engaged in laughter and conversation. I recognized him but couldn’t remember his name. Was […]
You’ve probably noticed the sun is setting earlier now and there’s a chill in the air. I always want to hold onto the light and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine just a little longer. I realize though, that I can embrace the change of every season. Afterall, there is goodness to be found in […]
There is something about autumn that welcomes in a breeze of calm to me. Maybe it’s simply watching the leaves slowly change colors. As much as I want to stay in the calm, life can cause me to brush it aside. My mind tends to want to rush to Christmas time and all the festivities. […]
Ever wonder how children can ask so many questions? While we may want to stop the little girl or boy from constantly asking questions, those little humans are full of wonder and always seeking answers. It’s part of their nature to abound with all the wonder and the whys. That was us, too, as a […]
Is there ever that one thing that sometimes makes you feel defeated or discouraged? That one thing that causes you to lose confidence and worry? That one thing you’re talking to your best friend about again? Maybe there is more than one thing, but what is the one thing that seems to be the dividing […]
Friends, I want to reflect & celebrate together! This month marks two years of writing this blog. I remember it like it was yesterday as I taught myself how to start a website and make goals to launch my writing before a milestone birthday. Writing is just one thing that has opened the way to […]
Have you ever wanted to make a choice immediately but know you need to seek the Holy Spirit for actual direction? I encounter the in-between plenty of times when seeking direction for a decision. The last blog post was about the middle, and I find myself here again. Maybe you’re still in the middle, too? […]
Finished. Do you have any projects or goals you’re working on that you’re anticipating the finish line? I just finished some kitchen renovations that nearly took the entire summer to complete. We painted our kitchen cabinets, and while I read about how complex a process it could be, I was determined to make it through. […]
As I make my morning drive, opting for the country back road, I admire the sunrise every time and can’t help but notice all the gardens. Backyard gardens full of veggies and wild vines, rows of corn stretching for miles along the rolling hills, and my favorite, the sunflower garden, full of sunflowers leaning intently […]
I’ve found myself caught in more than one thunderstorm this summer. While I see the dark clouds looming ahead, I can still see the sunshine and blue skies hovering above. So without the umbrella, I venture forward in confidence. In a matter of minutes, the raindrops are pelting from the sky, and the storm clouds […]
So much space is given for us to share life stories, thoughts, and even our opinions on social media. Instagram has been a place of encouragement as I have read quotes and thoughtful words by like-minded writers. It has been a place where I have laughed at all the german shepherd videos. (My phone knows […]
I remember having a diary with a lock on it when I was little. Maybe you had one, too? Mine had a castle design on the front with a pink tassel to hold the key. I don’t remember what I wrote in the pages of that little girl’s diary, but I can picture myself hiding […]
Things forgotten. Missed deadlines. Last-minute changes to plans. It’s inevitable. No matter how prepared we try to be or how well we are at something, we will make mistakes. We’ll forget things and sometimes just say the wrong things. And sometimes, we can’t keep up with everything, and that’s okay. Just the other day, I […]
There is a lesson in everything, including cleaning out the closet. I did some spring cleaning, trying to minimize the stuff in my house. There’s just something about getting rid of things you don’t need. It’s like fresh air once you make some space. While cleaning the cluttered closet, I’ve reflected on some things. First, […]
Have you ever bought that out-of-season item because it was an excellent deal? I’m typically the in-season type of person, but this time, I ventured out of my norm and purchased a Christmas sweatshirt at one of my favorite stores. In the spring season of summer-like weather and nowhere near Christmas time. This out-of-season sweatshirt […]
Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. That is the true purpose and meaning behind everything we do, and I’ve thought a lot about this verse lately. It makes me want to pause to reflect on the meaning of the things that fill my day. Big and small. Routine and extraordinary. […]
If you need a breakthrough of any kind, you can always find grace and truth in Jesus. He never fails. His words are always full of grace. His peace always brings comfort. His guidance always leads us the right way. He even takes our sorrow and gives us joy. I’ve been leaning into the Gospels […]
How many times have you lost your car keys or glasses? While I have good intentions of putting my keys in the same place, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes my keys get misplaced and I have to search the house for them. While I do have to search for my keys from time to time, […]
Instagram must know that I’m thinking about making changes in my kitchen. I see quite a few transformational pictures of remodeled rooms coming across my newsfeed. I must say, the before and after photos are amazing. One designer painted her kitchen cabinets gray. She shares how she knows that it’s not the trendy color that […]
I could feel the overwhelm within. It was slowing building as I went through an ordinary day of life. You know, those days that consist of to-do’s, work, doing laundry, and all the other little things that seemed trivial in the moment? It’s in reptitious days like these that I can become overwhelmed with the […]
Jesus arrives at the banquet, and He takes a seat at the table with tax collectors. He sits with the unrighteous. People complained and questioned why He would spend time with sinners. Jesus gathered around that table with perfect love and without judgment. I’ve been spending some time in the Gospels, and I love how, […]
If you ever feel like the waves of life have come crashing in more forceful than before, remember that Jesus is there to calm your spirit and still the waves. I’m nowhere close to ocean waves, but I can picture them as I close my eyes. I can hear the waves as they greet the […]
Have you ever been fascinated by someone’s story? Maybe someone comes to mind who has an extraordinary story and shines despite what comes their way. I love stories, stories that unwind from the pages of books and stories spoken through the life of others. What I’m beginning to learn is to love my story. Do […]
Are you longing for something new? Something more? Or maybe just sunshine and blue skies to spring forth? Are you ready to leap through a new door? I know my heart says yes to all these things. God knew what He was doing when He created the different seasons. When a new season is close […]
Have you ever just camped out with a Scripture verse or passage for weeks because the words are burning within you? It’s a fire that stirs up hope and joy and makes you want to stay awhile. I have pitched my tent in a Psalm that I have read so many times but sensed Holy […]
When you come to a place where you value the beauty of simply being you, you find freedom. Looking to the cross centers us on the truth rather than looking to the opinions of others. That freedom comes from Father God, who created you. It’s okay to be you. Embrace who God has made you […]
I haven’t been to a party in a while. And now that I think about it, I haven’t been to many special occasions in quite some time. So, I misjudged the timing of getting myself there. Needless to say, I was slightly late. Do you ever have those moments, or maybe it’s an entire day […]
I would say that I am a minimalist. Sometimes too much can, well, be too much. In fact, clutter distracts me and causes me to lose my focus. So much so that I am tempted even now to start spring cleaning. I’ll refrain, though. Maybe you, too? Clutter in our physical houses can distract some […]
Growth starts small. It all begins with a seed. You can’t see the seed deep within the ground. It’s dark yet safe, nestled in a sacred space. I’m captivated by the beautiful words in Zechariah and the reminder of renewal that our Father brings. Perhaps it’s perfect timing for me to be encouraged by these […]
Have you ever wondered where your place in life is? We hear about purpose, and maybe we immediately begin to plan and think where we need to be. For a long time, I searched for my purpose. What has God called me to do? Where do I fit in? Have we been searching for our […]
How is the new year going for you so far? I was thinking how a new year always sparks hope within me because it can bring that sense of a fresh start. New beginnings. A time where maybe many of us set some goals. Life can still throw some hurdles to try to slow us […]
If I had to use one word to describe this past year, it would be “resilience.” Resilience. Whether you finished strong or not, you are resilient. If you did finish, celebrate! If you didn’t get close to the finish line that you were aiming for, still celebrate! I have learned so much about myself and […]
Merry Christmas, friends! As we welcome in the Christmas joy this season, the time also known as the most wonderful time of the year, I know there are also sorrows and concerns in the midst of the joy. No matter what your season may look like, Jesus is in the midst of your season. He is […]
Seasons often bring the new. We tend to anticipate what’s ahead for every season. Fall leaves, and everything pumpkin quickly fades away as we enter a season of Christmas joy and hopes for snow. Soon enough, we’ll be anticipating spring flowers and sunshine. Seasons come and go as we wait in expectation to embrace the […]
A couple of weeks ago, a conversation with a co-worker who I also call a dear friend inspired this week’s blog post. We’ve all heard it, and we all know it – we’re not alone. Yet, so many things cause us to feel like we’re all alone when we’re not. No matter the season you […]
Make more space for the things you love. Even if it’s for the simple things like coffee. I was really excited to try a new coffee shop that opened up in my small town. The coffee and space warmed my heart with a welcoming atmosphere of peace. Welcome in space for what you love. You […]
I often find that the most powerful, peaceful moments are the ones when we pause. Pause to reflect. Pause to listen. Pause before we speak. Pause before making that big decision. Pause to seek His wisdom. Pause to take in the beauty around us. The world around us may not have a pause button, but […]
I had the honor to speak to a group of college girls last week. We talked about a topic that I think is important to us all, regardless of age or the season we’re in. Identity. Life is so much better when we know who we are. And life is abundant when it’s woven with […]
Spiders. Eeeekkkk. They make me jump, squeal, and sometimes run. Spiders are not my friend but we’re going to talk about them today. We’re going to say nice things though, with a heart of love. (Even though I really don’t like spiders). Spider webs seem to be everywhere right now. They’re all over my porch […]
Overthinking. We have brains that are incredibly designed to enable our minds to think and to think a lot. If I let my thoughts get away from me before I know it, I am thinking of all that I should have done or what I should have said. Or what I should not have said. […]
Be enlightened right where you’re at now. While I mentioned it last week, I think it’s worthwhile to mention it again. We are entering a new season. The new rhythms of a season can enlighten and inspire us. Here’s what I’m learning. Be open to change. Change can be exceptionally hard sometimes. While at other […]
The start of a new season sparks so much hope in my heart. How about you? There’s just something about a new season that stirs the dreams within my heart, too. Before moving forward into the new, I love to glance back to reflect on all Jesus has been for me during the former season. […]
Sincerity. Trustworthiness. Honesty. Reliability. Devotion. These are all meanings of loyalty. While loyalty is not the most common word we hear like hope or faith, it’s one we can deeply embrace because of the love of our Jesus. It’s a word that came to my heart earlier this summer after losing my dog, Chief. We’ve […]
We all see it. We’re all probably feeling it. There is no hiding the darkness that seems to be engulfing the world around us. The world seems to be a place of chaos and hatred. Sometimes the chaos seems to even be right at our own back doors as different opinions go back and forth […]
Hey, friends! I have talked about this before but bring it up again. I truly believe when we invest just some extra time, even if it’s only for a few minutes, for simple joys, we find so much more. What are some of your simple joys, those ordinary, small things that bring a spark of […]
Have you ever been in a place where your thoughts were troubled yet you knew the peace of God was right there deep within? I found myself at that very place just the other day. When I turned to His word for encouragement, I found myself reflecting on David’s prayer. His prayer echoed the feelings […]
I remember dancing in the dark, just me and Jesus. And I felt so free. It was midnight and the start of 2021. I realize New Year’s is quite some time away, but I can’t help but remember that moment. Some of you celebrated Christmas in July so why not capture this New Year’s moment […]
Jesus can give you new eyes. When you are in complete surrender to your Savior, He begins to open your eyes to see beyond what you’ve seen before. As He opens your eyes to see, your mind and heart are transformed in the process, too. Have you ever been captivated by a glorious sunrise or […]
I love a good conversation with friends. There are always words spoken that I treasure. I still think back on a conversation I had with a friend a couple of years ago. As we were chatting, she mentioned something that really nestled deep within my heart and still resonates today, more so now as we […]
As I sat at a local college campus this past weekend, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of white flowers that surrounded me. It was like a huge hug from my Father God. We are always covered. He covers us with assurance. He covers us with peace. He covers us with love. He covers […]
Picture your favorite coffee mug. Or imagine the one you decided not to get at TJ Maxx because you realize you already have so many and don’t need another one, right? Beyond your favorite coffee mug filled with coffee or hot tea first thing in the morning, what fills your cup? Maybe it’s filled with […]
I will always remember one summer afternoon, I was sitting on the edge of the pool and there was a little girl, probably about seven or eight years old. She had her goggles on and was ready to jump in. But I think this was her first time jumping in because she wouldn’t jump. You […]
The goodness of God is always something we can be so grateful for. A friend text the song Goodness of God earlier this week and it’s been on repeat on my playlist every day. It’s become my heart’s song and I can’t help to reflect here today on the goodness of our God. I love […]
Do you ever stop and pause to do something just for yourself? Maybe it’s usually not a priority because you either feel selfish or you simply don’t think you have the time. Taking some time out for yourself though will make you so much better in so many ways. If you’re constantly on the go […]
Do you ever second guess? I know I do more often than I would like and maybe you can relate. As I was reading Genesis 3 the other day, I realized that Eve second guessed, too. The father of lies planted seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind as he asked her the question, “Did God […]
We just planted trees in our yard a few weeks ago. Forty of them! It really didn’t take that long to plant them but it does take some time to water them. They have to be watered every other day so I have to be intentional about watering them because I want them to live. […]
Something I find so special and sacred is that only the Father can truly see my heart. Even when we are real to others as we share our stories, the One within us – our Creator and Savior – is the only One who truly sees our entire heart, the complete picture. Even when we […]
Have you ever sensed you needed a time of rest? Or maybe you just needed to reset? These past couple of weeks have been a time to clear my calendar and simply rest. No rushing. No appointments. Just rest and a time of reflection. I truly believe when we take time to rest whether it’s […]
My heart rejoices that it’s springtime! Spring means flowers. And one of my simple joys is flowers! Whether they are wild flowers, fresh flowers, or even the little wild violets sprinkled in the lawn, they simply bring joy to my heart. They are a beautiful reflection of the Creator. What are your simple joys? Those […]
Have you ever labeled yourself as not good enough? Not smart enough? Not worthy? Sometimes we label ourselves with what is not true, yet we start to believe it about ourselves. But Jesus sees the real us. He sees us as treasured and loved. This past weekend, I had the honor of being a part […]
There are moments in life when we face news that will try to shake us, and it may be for a moment, but as we look to the One who is in control, we can remind ourselves that we will not lose hope because the One who is hope lives within us. Last week, I […]
Last week, I walked into a room with several ladies gathered together at tables, laughing and talking. While there were a few familiar faces, I realized there wasn’t anyone I knew well so I took a seat at an empty table. I often take comfort in finding a friend at events like these when I […]
Last week, I lost something and forgot something, all in the same day. On the days I drive early in the morning, I always treat myself with a coffee from Dunkin Donuts. (Treat yourself every now and then – that’s a blog for another day 😉 ). I realized as I was getting ready to […]
I was taking a walk in the mountains last weekend and while it was chilly out, I embraced the sunlight and the anticipation of spring that I know is so close. Most of the trees didn’t have buds but I did notice that a few were trying. My soul was delighted at the glimpse of […]
I remember looking for rubies on the playground as an eight-year-old. I would search for them often. Of course there were no real rubies to be found in the sand, but there were these tiny, red stones in the sand which represented beautiful rubies to me. So, I would search for them like treasure. I […]
Settle your heart. This has resonated in my heart for some time now. My best friend asked me earlier this year if I had a word for the year. At the time, I didn’t and honestly don’t always choose one word to focus on but I can’t seem to get away from “settle your heart.” […]
A couple of weeks ago, there was an amazing sunrise that caught my attention and the same was true for many others, too (for my East Tennessee friends, anyways). It was so stunning that sunrise photos were the highlight of the day on social media. While I wasn’t able to snap a picture, I did […]
Hope transpires when we go to the King. When we take those moments to pause and choose rest, allowing Him to have every concern, hope will transpire. Love from the heart of the Father will transpire. Just this past week, I had one of those overwhelming days and I could have given up but I […]
One day last week as I was driving before dawn, I couldn’t help but pause at the wonder of the clouds. On this particular morning, there seemed to be a glimpse of spring in the air which for me, brings hope. At first glance, the clouds looked like mountains in the distance. I simply told […]
Life can be so fast-paced sometimes, but I love a good book because it somehow can slow things down. Books have been a great place of rest for me lately. I am reading multiple books right now and I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing. 😉 While I should probably […]
Go broken? Yes, go broken. I think sometimes we want to be made perfect before we set out to go as His disciple, but the Father can use our brokenness now, right where we’re at. The framed photo below sits on my desk. The print inside the frame used to be straight and not crooked, […]
Worship songs can become prayers to the Father. When I first heard “More Like Jesus” it became an instant prayer of honest surrender. And every time I hear this song, my heart goes to a place of surrender. If more of you means less of me, take everything. Yes, all of You is all I […]
As we start our journey in 2021, I encourage us to move forward with holy expectation, confidence, and hope. As I shared last week, He makes all things new. No matter how long we may have endured hardship, He can make us new. No matter how long we have been stuck in shame, He can […]
When the snow began to fall on Christmas Eve, my heart leaped with excitement and hope. The snowflakes that soon covered everything in white, brought peace. It reminded me that as this year comes to an end, despite all the not-so-good we have endured, Jesus can make all things new. Behold, I am making all […]
Merry Christmas, friends. Whether or not you will sit around the table together with family or not this Christmas, the greatest gift you have at your table is Jesus Christ. I can just picture us sitting around the table together with the most honored guest, Jesus. And He is more than just a guest, really. […]
Perfect love can be found. While a Cinderella story may sound captivating, there is nothing that will draw us in like the true love of the Father. It’s a love we can keep. It’s a love that is endless. It’s a love that is true. To the one who doesn’t feel loved, can I encourage […]
The Father always has a seat for you at the table. You’re always invited. I remember in first or second grade, my sister’s friend invited her to a birthday party. She said she would go but only if she could bring her sister. So of course I was really excited that my sister got me […]
I got to talk with a great friend last week. We updated each other on our dreams. We shared our hearts. We laughed together. My friend, rich in wisdom, got me thinking about hope. What can we do in the moments when we need hope? This world will try to sneak and rob us of […]
I need to laugh. Maybe you, too? Laughter is good medicine for our soul, so today, let’s laugh! Sometimes I make mistakes and sometimes I want to rethink my choices. And I am learning that it’s really okay to laugh about it. I am not talking about the choices that require us to really seek […]
I was pruning my roses today and couldn’t help to think about how the Father refines and prunes our lives. There is hope in the process because we know fruit will come. Growth requires pruning. Pruning requires cutting back. Even in the pruning, there is beauty – just like these roses I cut while pruning […]
I got to travel this past week and was inspired by the girl next to me on the plane. She shared some of the same uncertainty I was feeling yet her words carried boldness and light that encouraged me and sparked hope. Our words and actions matter. We can be hope to those around us. […]
Don’t miss the beauty of the present. I have heard more than one friend mention to enjoy the journey and to embrace the “now” of the moment. So many times, we want to just get to a desired destination, but there is so much beauty along the way that the Father wants us to embrace. […]
Do you ever find yourself defining yourself based on other relationships in your life? Based on everything around you? My worth and identity have so often been defined by other people. Good things other than Jesus have become my identity. There are even times when I have simply let a bad day define my identity. […]
This post is a little different this week. It is straight from my journal, but I believe there may be someone else who needs it. Journal Excerpt: The terrain right now is a little rocky. You walked through the valley and recently found the mountain top. There was so much joy in your heart when […]
Truth is honest. Truth is the whole story. Truth is opening our heart wide and being real. I love how the Apostle Paul was open and sincere when talking to the Corinthians. He spoke freely to the people. He was real with them, and he wanted them to be real back. He wanted them to […]
Have you ever had one of those days when everything seems to be working against you? That has been my life these past few weeks. Just as I tried to reassure myself that I could manage winter, the heat went out. Next, the coffee maker gave up, and my phone decided to take a break […]