Our Blog
Encouragement for every season of lifeA Piece of Me
How do you explain it when someone you’ve only met once steals a tiny piece of your heart? When we were on our mission trip to Greece and Cyprus a few weeks ago, we spent one afternoon doing an educational program for kids in a refugee camp. The powers that be (those...
Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
Watch your thoughts, they become words; Watch your words, they become actions; Watch your actions, they become habits; Watch your habits, they become character; Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. These words, spoken by Margaret Thatcher, are profound....
I’m a European Shopper
Over the years, I’ve read a lot of articles on how to save money on your family food budget by having a meal plan in place, preparing a grocery list, and only going to the store once a month. Articles like this and this. And I’ve tried, really, I have! I’ve made up...
When is the perfect age to start a family?
This morning I read Carolyn Gregoire's Huffington Post article, "Being an Older Mom Comes With Some Major Advantages." I was drawn to it because I’d had a conversation with a friend in her early thirties recently, who was struggling with the question, “When is the...
The Three C’s of Leadership
One of the most strategic pastors around today, Bill Hybels, developed a hiring process that he called the 3 C’s: Character, Competency, and Chemistry. All three are needed to lead effectively, and I believe all three of these categories can be developed and enhanced...
Thanks, Mom, for Praying
How many of you are thankful for a praying mother and/or grandmother? If you have a praying parent in your lineage, you are a blessed person. Mothers and grandmothers influence their child's life by living Godly lives and hitting the throne room of God with consistent...
When You Feel Like the Outsider Friend
Anyone else feel like the outsider friend? Like you don't really completely belong? Me too. I’m the mom of an only child. I married young and had my one-and-done at 21. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be an empty nester at 40. I went back to school late in life...
He Restores My Soul
We are SO excited to feature a guest post from Renee Clanton, one of our featured speakers at this year’s Single Moms Retreat, happening June 2-3 in Alexandria, Minnesota (find all the details here!). Today, Renee talks about how we can turn to God when the storms of...
A Change of Perspective
As we walked through the smoke-filled lobby, I was a little concerned. Was this really where we were going to be staying? In the ten years that John and I have been doing mission trips, we’ve often repeated a phrase my friend taught me right before a weekend retreat....
Walking in Step with the Lord
“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 If you grew up in the church, this verse is probably familiar to you. It’s nice and comforting. Maybe you’ve heard it so many times it even sounds cliché—not so for me. This verse became my...
