You know all those beauty contestants who answer what they wish they could contribute to the world with a cliché, often ditzy sounding, “World Peace”? Their wish isn’t too far off from many of our hearts’ desires, these days, is it? It is impossible to turn on the news without hearing horrifying reports. It’s usually pretty bad, but right now, … Read More
How Big Are Your Mountains Really?
The other day, I was sitting with my husband on the welcome center porch at the University where he teaches. The sun was setting behind the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. And God was wooing me. He knows that my love languages are cows, rainbows, and sunsets. And there He was, whispering lovely truths into the ears of my heart. The … Read More
What Poor People Can Give
I’m not rich in terms of money. I have very little to give. Really, at this stage in life, I have none that I really can spare without sacrificing something that my husband and I really need. I’ve been even less well endowed than I am now. But all along the way, God has moved me to give sacrificially to … Read More
Entertaining Thoughts
I love to entertain. Even since I was a child, I get many of my kicks of day dreaming about the next soiree I can host. I remember sitting on my bed as a little girl, trying to figure out how many people I could fit in my room for a New Year’s Eve Party. There would be twinkle lights. … Read More
Why {Sometimes} We Need Somebody All Up In Our Business
Contrary to what my FaceBook world would tell you, I’m a pretty private person. When I am struggling with something, I really really don’t want the whole world to know unless I’m good and ready to face the repercussions that brings. And I absolutely hate drama (except in the movies). I avoid it like the plague. But I’ve learned that … Read More
Why You Should Let Your Life Get Wrecked
Have you ever had your life ruined for the best or as my friend Cyrus Mad-Bondo, puts it, “gloriously wrecked”? I have. It wasn’t because of something terrible that happened to me. It was because of my encounter with a few hundred beautiful souls in a land that once existed only as an uncharted, frightening territory in my own little … Read More
Down to Your Last Leg
Last week, I was at the beach. This doesn’t happen often. The last time I was there was four years ago. Usually, if I plan a trip, I want one full of sites, foods, and geographical locations that are new to me. But every now and then, I just require a trip to the beach. I love to be busy … Read More
Wear This First
A few years ago, we were in the hot sun of Africa. I feel like I talk about this a lot, mostly because I do. But that trip changed my life. Seriously. It ruined it for the best. There’s no logical reason we should have been on that trip, either. We were broke as a joke. We had about $300 … Read More
The Royal Spotlight
Your life is one big event full of smaller events. It falls onto the calendar of history… His Story. Think of all the events you’ve been to in your lifetime. Birthday parties, weddings, funerals, concerts, festivals, backyard barbecues, pool parties, garden shows, monster truck rallies, ball games, graduations, retirements… What has made each event, well, event worthy? The setting? Sometimes. … Read More
Which Drum are You Supposed to Beat?
Two Saturdays before Easter this year, my husband and I went to an outreach event at the home of a woman I know from my Bible Study. Her name is Beth. She is a widow. She doesn’t let that hinder her from doing huge things. The truth is, her season of life has opened up large opportunities to reach beyond … Read More