A few years ago I wrote an Advent devotional entitled "Draw Near." At the time I wrote it, it was one of those periods where it was "easier" than others to draw near to God. He felt close, he felt present. Life was smooth - if there's such a thing - and we cruised toward... Continue Reading →

To say we're experiencing a storm as a family right now is a giant understatement. It feels closer to a hurricane that throws some lightning bolts and a tornado or two out of no where from time to time. I'm not going to use this space to vent, or to over-detail - because I know... Continue Reading →

It's dark outside. I'm sitting on our front porch, lights pouring out from the inside, sounds of nature and night surrounding from the outside. It's not an unusual spot for me to find myself. In fact, it's alone time I crave and take advantage of most evenings. But, tonight there's more on my mind than... Continue Reading →

Last night as I did my daughter's hair, she said "Mommy. Today you called me a wildling. What did you mean?" I smiled, as I brushed out the knots that seem to form 300 times a day from her constant activity, relentless creative endeavors, and attempts to best her brothers (all 4 of them) at... Continue Reading →

Our neighbors bought a boat. I know. What does that have to do with anything? Well... in our neighborhood, a little bit of everything and nothing at the same time. Let me step back. We were coming home from dinner with my in-laws last night for my husband's birthday (a precious time with family that... Continue Reading →

We talk a lot on here about knowing others and allowing ourselves to be known. It's something that's demonstrated time and time again in Biblical relationships, it's an integral part of relationship with our father in Heaven, and it matters so much in every day life. To do this walk the best way possible, we... Continue Reading →

I'm not a winter person. Cold? I could do without it (at least I tell myself that almost every day in the winter!). It feels especially true right now here in our home: 5 of the 7 of us currently have COVID. It's not the week we were shooting for, but, here we are. And... Continue Reading →

I'm not sure what the weather is like where you are, but here in Pennsylvania we're in that period of time where it might (unexpectedly) hit 60 degrees one day, then be snowing with a solid coating of ice the next (current situation). Because those of us living here are humans who tend to want... Continue Reading →

I have something so exciting in the works surrounding this topic, but... it's not ready for sharing. Something related to it is ready to share though. This weekend, I was given the opportunity to travel to Austin with a friend. My first time traveling solo - i.e. without family or John - pretty much ever.... Continue Reading →

Yesterday I went for a walk. It's nothing new. In fact, my neighbors often joke that I probably know everything that's going on at all times because I am always out walking. It gives me a chance to breathe, to get outside, and to just slow down for a few minutes... for someone with anxiety,... Continue Reading →