Embracing Discomfort

Embracing Discomfort

by | Nov 27, 2023 |

This past weekend I was invited to celebrate a sweet friend’s milestone birthday at a beautiful airbnb in the mountains of Highlands, North Carolina. It is the perfect time of year for a trip to Highlands, as the brilliant colors of Fall create a tapestry of crimson, gold, and burnt orange around every corner, and the temperature is practically perfect. Not only that, the rental house was completely free, a birthday gift from her husband.

Sounds pretty perfect, right?

There was only one catch.

I would be spending the weekend with complete strangers…

Turn the Page

Turn the Page

by | Oct 29, 2022 |

I wish I could, but I just can't do it. I can't make the leap. I know it's more practical—it would save money and space and just be easier all the way around. But I can't do it. There is something about holding a book in your hands, feeling the weight of the...

Need a Reset?

Need a Reset?

by | Oct 29, 2022 |

Photo by Johannes Plenio I have a confession.  My children are lazy... And they get it from their mom. I was at dinner with a friend the other night, and she asked me how I get my boys to do their chores without nagging them. Y'all, I almost spit out my food!...

12 Devotional Recommendations for the New Year

12 Devotional Recommendations for the New Year

by | Dec 29, 2021 | ,

Recently, a friend reached out to me asking for ideas on devotionals that she could do by herself or with a group. As we head into 2022, I thought I would share a few of my suggestions. Here are 12 Devotional recommendations for the new year in case you’re looking for some fresh ways to grow closer to Jesus!

Joyful Surrender

Joyful Surrender

by | Nov 4, 2021 | ,

“The natural world reminds us there are seasons for a reason. The branch that clings too tightly to its leaves eventually breaks under the weight of the heavy winter snow. Perhaps it did not realize it could not bear the weight of what was coming; however, our heavenly Father designed it in the way that was best. Are the evergreens envious of the Autumn leaves that blend with the sunset in declaring the glory of God? I do not know. But I imagine they are grateful for their gentle coverings when those other branches lay barren in the dead of winter.

Each has a purpose, and each has a plan…

5 Scripture Prayers for Your Prodigal

5 Scripture Prayers for Your Prodigal

by | Sep 25, 2021 | ,

Most of you are probably familiar with the story Jesus tells of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15.

A fairly wealthy man has two sons. The younger one decides he’s had enough of boring ranch life and asks his dad to give him his inheritance early. Without looking back, he heads off into the world, living his best life, and squandering everything his father bestowed on him along the way. Eventually, the shininess wears off and the young man recognizes the mess he’s made. He longs for the life he gave up, yet realizes he is unworthy to even eat with the pigs. Humbly, he makes his way home, hoping his father might take pity on him and hire him as a farmhand.

Luke tells us that “when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran to him.” This story has several messages, but the overarching point is that our Father, like the one in the story, has tremendous compassion and mercy for His children, even when our hearts are prone to wander. He watches for us when we leave Him, and He celebrates when we return!

This parable actually follows two similar parables in Luke 15…

What Happens When We Pray Instead of Intervene

What Happens When We Pray Instead of Intervene

by | Sep 22, 2021 | ,

“Let’s Gooooooooo!” they yell, as they fling their bodies through the air in a massive chest-bump. Balls bounce, shoes squeak, nets swish. Sweaty-middle-school-boy-smell permeates the air, while colorful high-top sneakers pound out a rhythm against the hard floor.

This is my son’s favorite place to be on a rainy afternoon—or any afternoon, really—and today is no exception.

We meet his friends up here at least once a week. Some days it’s just them; today the courts are busy. A few kids their age shoot free-throws next to them, glancing longingly in their direction as they divide up their teams.

I see Eli notice them. He keeps looking at them and then back at his friends, trying to decide what to do…