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Mourning with Those Who Mourn
It was unexpected, swift, and yet seemed like an eternity. The phone rang. Sis is in the hospital. I wasn’t too concerned. I told my husband it sounded serious, but I felt sure she would be released.
Podcasting and a Writing Challenge
Over the past month, I’ve enjoyed a new-to-me outlet for sharing and encouraging the church: podcasts. This fall and winter I have the joy of participating in not one, but two of these. Here’s more about both—plus a little info about a challenge I’ll be taking in November.
Miscarriage—You Are Not Alone!
Recently I spoke with a woman who, with tear-filled eyes, shared about her recent miscarriage. She also expressed how shocked she’d been to find out that miscarriage is so common—that many women have miscarriages but few talk about them. Her account reminded me of my own experience with miscarriage and battle with fear and faith that followed.
“God’s Very Good Idea” around the World
Often American-focused discussion about ethnic differences gets narrowed to just Black or African Americans and White Americans. It is fairly understandable, given US history, that we’d focus so much attention on black and white relations. My hope for God’s Very Good Idea, however, is that it would encourage all people made in the image of God to celebrate the differences in each other.
Fighting Sin with Love
I hate sin. It is ugly. It disrupts life. It messes with precious relationships. It confuses the mind. Sin is pervasive and gross. Sin affects us to our core. Sin wreaks havoc on much, but perhaps the greatest area of impact is on the commandments for us to love God with all our heart and soul and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. I think that’s perhaps one reason Paul rebuked the Corinthians about their selfishness and division with verses all about love.
A Little Funny: When I am an Adult
Once in a while, I’ll share something funny I’ve come across and today I’d like to share “When I am an Adult.”
An Open Letter to Children’s Ministry Workers
The majority of the time, open letters are meant as a critique. This is not that. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t even come close. Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect in greater ways on the labors of those who are working in children’s ministry: church, camps, and beyond. I have always served in children’s ministry, though much less over the past three years than ever before, but it’s been a part of my ministry work since becoming a Christian. It wasn’t until writing and releasing God’s Very Good Idea, however, that the weight of what you do week after week fully hit me.
God’s Little Mercies: One Family’s Diagnosis and God’s Faithfulness
Did you know October is Spina Bifida awareness month? I imagine that most of you answered, No. I wouldn’t have been aware of this special month either had it not been for some dear friends. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to get to know a sweet young couple and their daughter, Anne-Marie, who happens to have Spina Bifida, a birth defect that affects the spine.
An Evening Celebrating God’s Very Good Idea
Last Wednesday evening was a night I’ll never forget and I’m excited to share with you about it.
Our Fears, Our World, and Our God
The news is in and the church is going to hell in a hand-basket…
Thanking You!
How can I adequately thank people for allowing my words into their homes and Children’s Ministries? I still can’t figure out how to fully do it. But regardless, here’s a heartfelt attempt: Thank you!
How the Words from “God’s Very Good Idea” Came to Life
A children’s book comes alive when it’s coupled with an inspiring, creative, and imaginative illustrator. The Good Book Company partnered with Catalina Echeverri to illustrate God’s Very Good Idea and it was a very good idea!
Aging, Aches, and Our Glorious Hope
Tomorrow I will be one year older. One year closer to the big 4-0. To some, I’m still quite young, and for others, I’m ancient. But for me, I’m just achy…
An Invitation to Celebrate God’s Idea
Today is an exciting day…it’s the official release day of God’s Very Good Idea!
Something New for Kids (and parents too)
In a few short days, my first children’s book, God’s Very Good Idea, will be released to the world. I can’t fully express my excitement about the potential for this book to serve parents and little hearts and minds. I am praying that the Lord would use it to start conversations in the home and in children’s ministry classrooms that will point us to a good God who creates beautifully and diversely.
Helping Your Children See
Can you imagine wanting to be colorblind? Actually wishing that you couldn’t see the vibrant and unique colors that God has filled his creation with? And yet I hear that all the time…c
Let the Rivers Clap
I recently had the opportunity to visit the mountains of Colorado for a retreat. When I got home, I happened to read a chapter in Tim and Kathy Keller’s book The Songs of Jesus, which was perfect for what I had just experienced. I wanted to share an excerpt of what I read along with a few pictures from my time there…
Rejoice in Each Other’s Gifts and Strengths
One of the new things I love on Facebook is the “on this day” memory feature. Because of this feature, today I was reintroduced to this old video and realized I’d never actually shared it here. We can never be reminded enough to rejoice with others and guard against comparison. And as you’ll see, I lightly encourage you and me to do this as I reflect on ways that I’m not gifted!
Mind: Stop Spinning
I’m an advocate for gaining knowledge, being informed, and keeping up with what is going on in the world. As I heard a friend once say, “Ignorance is not bliss, it’s just ignorance.” But with all the information that we are presented with throughout each day, I have wondered, for myself and for you, is it possible to sit and watch a sunset without worrying or thinking? Are we able to simply sit any longer? Do we ever shut off our minds? The answer is likely sometimes, but more than likely hardly. World events aren’t the only things that keep our minds spinning, the daily mundane tasks, our unfinished projects, broken relationships, worrying about finances, the list goes on and on because the cares of this world are many…
Stand Fast: When the Race Conversation Turns Hostile
Guest post by Isaac Adams
I thank God for folks who speak biblically about race. Whether it’s a black mom teaching her children that they also bear God’s image, or a white sister writing a prophetic blog post—there are many brothers and sisters take up this worthwhile battle…
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