Blog
Pursuing Progress, Not Perfection
As each year winds to a close and a new one begins, I choose a word that will be my theme for the coming year. For example, a couple of years ago, that word was invitation, where I challenged myself to accept the invitations that God gave me to pursue new adventures, even if they were outside...
35 Things to Put in a Care Package
It was starting to snow when I stepped into my parents’ house, but I was numb to everything, including the chill. After surviving a series of traumatic events, I was in a constant fog and didn’t quite know how to move forward. There, by the door, was a wire basket. An envelope on top read, “To...
Queen Esther: For Such a Time as This
I’ve often heard that you should never tell a person there’s a purpose for the difficult season they are walking through or a reason for their purpose. Some have claimed that it diminishes their hurt and experience. However, I don’t see it this way. Certainly, there are moments to sit with the...
Step Up, Speak Up: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month? It has been my great privilege to partner with Focus on the Family this month to talk about why Domestic Violence Awareness is critical, and how YOU can get involved. Read NOW
Weeding Out Unhealthy Relationships
The summer sun warmed my shoulders, and sweat trickled down my brow as I worked in my new garden. Weeds had overrun the garden box. A rainy spring had helped the weeds grow as big and burly as the food-producing plants. In some cases, it was almost impossible to tell the difference. Once the weeds...
5 Pieces of Advice for Young Women
I remember being in such a huge rush to grow up as a young woman. I couldn’t wait to get my driver’s license, buy my first car, vote, go to college, find the perfect man, get married, land a stellar job, and have kids. And not only did I have my impatience to deal with, but it seemed there was a...
20 Red Flags to Watch for When Dating
We all know that fantastic feeling when you first meet that special someone and starry eyes lock. Your heart skips a beat, and your breath catches in your chest. Attraction blossoms between you, and you wonder how you ever lived without them. You begin to imagine what your relationship will look...
Using the Right Tools for the Job
Last weekend, Karl and I decided to ride our bikes to the lake on the outskirts of town. We hopped on our bikes and pedaled along the gushing river, past blossoming trees, over a dam, and to the wildlife refuge that encircles the lake. However, the longer we rode, the further I fell behind. I...
Let’s Talk About Mental Health Awareness
“All it takes is a beautiful fake smile to hide an injured soul and they will never notice how broken you really are.” – Robin Williams What is your first reaction when someone talks about depression, anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders, suicide, or other mental health issues? Do you...