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Encouragement for every season of lifeThe Great Coffee Charade
According to a recent Gallup poll, 64% of Americans drink coffee. That may be true for most of America, but in my little corner of the world I’d say it’s closer to 95%. Actually, I’m not sure I have ANY friends who don’t drink coffee. Personally, I love the whole...
Unexpected Christmas Savings
Back in the days when I was still a classroom teacher, my fellow educators used to give me a lot of good-natured ribbing over my choice to eat school lunch a couple days a week. My laughing rebuke reminded all present I was a college coach’s daughter and sometimes hot...
My Husband’s Ministry
After praying about an opportunity, my first instinct was to text or call some of my dear, insightful lady friends about a decision in seeking this additional fit in my life. But in my spirit, I felt a halt. “Talk to your husband; ask his opinion and seek his...
When Words Hurt
Sometimes words hurt – even though the intent is the exact opposite. I found myself in a situation recently, where someone I look up to corrected me – at church, right before worship. While they did it in a loving way, and I thanked them for the feedback and said I...
Christmas Books Worth Reading
Every December I like to read a book or two relating to Christmas. I’ve read my share of corny and predictable Christmas stories but I’m not writing about those. However, there are a few that I think you’ll find worth your time. Christmas Jars – by Jason F. Wright I...
10 Strategies for Eliminating Christmas Stress
While speaking at a Christmas event, I asked the women who among them LOVED Christmas. A few of them raised their hand. Then I asked which of them felt like Christmas really isn’t the most wonderful time of the year. More than half of the hands went up! I’m not even...
Quick and Easy Risotto
This time of year equals all things warm, cozy, and hearty to keep us sane during winter in Minnesota. Although the weather has been mild so far, I am looking for healthy, easy meals that last more than one dinner because--let’s get real--momma wants to get as close...
Don’t Wait.
I've got a birthday looming. And while it’s always fun to start the morning with a free coffee from my favorite coffee chain and perhaps snag a free birthday dinner on a date with the hubs, each year I'm growing precariously closer to a new decade - one that involves...
Let there be Peace
"Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me," I sing as I sit at my piano, picking out and practicing songs for two upcoming Christmas performances. I have so many Christmas favorites, and it gets hard to narrow my set list down to my top twelve. But as I...
The Skill of Receiving
Last month, I stopped into the Hallmark Visitor Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on the way home from a road trip. As I was walking through the self-guided tour, I came across one exhibit displaying an array of resin crowns decorated by employees to celebrate the...
