• Faith

    Joy isn’t Always a Choice

    The last year or so has felt like one giant Winter Storm. Unexpected if not unprecedented. Uncomfortable and sometimes deadly. Killing off things that were once lovely and leaving behind a brittle mess in its place. But as I was out in the yard with my shears, trimming brittle branches and pulling off brown leaves, I noticed that the closer I got to the root, to the heart of each plant, the stronger and firmer the plant became. The outsides were ruined, but the core was still there. The source of life hadn’t been destroyed. Joy can be a bit…

  • Beyond the Manger Speakers
    Faith,  Holidays

    Beyond the Manger

    I’m always trying to find ways to help my kids see the true meaning of Christmas – beyond all of the gifts, decorations, fancy food, etc. Which, if I’m being honest, it pretty difficult since I actually LIKE all of…

  • visual representative of spiritual strength building
    Faith

    Spiritual Strength Building

    Is there such a thing as spiritual strength? We know about physical strength, and we’re pretty clear about emotional strength…but what about spiritual strength? What is it and why do we care? Think about athletes My daughter is an athlete.…

  • moving to a new normal
    Faith

    I Don’t Want “Normal” Anymore

    “God, I’m just ready to get back to normal.” I caught myself praying that the other day as I worked to sign my daughter in to her online class. There are moments, even whole days, where I ache for “normal,”…

  • Faith

    Did Corona Cancel Easter?

    “Corona cancels Easter.” I was scrolling through some site the other day, and those words caught my eye. At first my mind went to all the things we’re missing this year. Dressing my girls up in pretty Easter dresses, and…

  • orange road sign - road work ahead
    Faith

    Road Work Ahead

    What would it look like if life came with road signs? Not too long ago my family and I took a multi-state road trip. As we were driving down a major interstate, we came upon a sign: Road Work Ahead.…