Our Blog
Encouragement for every season of lifeThe Stain is the Story
Worn wood edges resist my diligent scrubbing. I scrape with fingernails and put my elbow grease to good use against my foes—flecks of fuchsia nail polish, a rainbow of paint splatters, glitter now a permanent part of the wood grain, and an array of marker stripes. My...
The Incredible Body
The human body is amazing. Each part of our body has a certain function. But what is interesting is how every part is connected. This summer, I attended physical therapy for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, where I gained a new appreciation for just how...
In Sickness and In…Sickness
I used to pride myself on not getting sick. I'm so healthy and full of probiotics and organic homemade juices! I would announce internally (and sometimes to the Jamba Juice lady who was pouring my health into a cup). Then I had kids. And all that awesomeness went out...
Trade in Fish Tales for Truth
“Natalie had a bat in her house,” said Jackson, who was sharing his day’s stories from preschool. His 6-year-old brother Landon groaned from the backseat of my Jeep. “Bats are disgusting!” Jack continued, “And do you know what Sam had in his house?” He paused for a...
Respect Others First
“R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Find out what it means to me.” I used to love this song by Aretha Franklin as a little girl. I loved the beat and the attitude. The desire and demand for respect is a message resonates with everyone. There is a great marriage book titled Love and...
Everyday Miracles
What pops into your mind when you think of a miracle? Something life-changing, awe-inspiring, and all around amazing, to be sure. Often we imagine events that are nearly impossible, yet they happen right before our eyes. But what about the everyday miracle? I'm...
My Ecuadorian Amazon Adventure
Our church recently put on an amazing retreat for the missionary women supported by our church. Women from all over the globe gathered in Greece at a fabulous resort to be pampered and lavished in love. Throughout the retreat, one of my favorite things was to meet and...
Am I Fooling Myself?
Watching auditions to talent competitions makes me chuckle and cringe at the same time. When a sweet young person is belting away on a song, completely unaware that she can’t carry a tune in a bucket, I cringe. The embarrassment I feel for the person is intense. It is...
Run for Your Life
What does it mean to run for your life? Typically, this phrase implies running away from something that is threatening to take your life--a bear, a giant, a fire, an army. My challenge to you is to allow your mind to shift the perspective on running for your life,...
Hundreds of Women Who Know You
How many people in your life truly know you? How many people surround you that understand your hopes and dreams and know your biggest fears? Do they know what you are passionate about? Do they know what your favorite food is? Do they know where you stand on important...
