There she lay in her beautiful box. A two-foot bride doll dressed in a white chiffon, pearl-studded wedding gown with matching veil. Her short-cropped, curly brown hair fell softly around her delicate face; her pink, plump skin felt amazingly soft; and her movable eyelids lined with thick black lashes opened and closed with her changing positions. The bride had perfectly shaped lips and crystal-blue eyes that appeared strangely real. Read more…
If You’re Going Through a Hard Time and Don’t Understand
Yesterday I wrote a devotion for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In light of all that happened in Texas this past Sunday, I’m thinking maybe you might need this encouragement too. I had to go back and read the words I wrote to remind myself of the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:18. Yep, sometimes we need to preach to ourselves. Read more…
Friday Friend Giveaway! Listen to the Girl Inside
Hurray! It’s Friday and time for the Friday Friend giveaway. Today, my guest is Crystal Hurst. She’s an amazing wife, mother, and friend. You just might know her dad, Tony Evans. Chrystal is carrying on her family tradition of loving Jesus and telling others all around the world about the One who set her free. Let’s lean in as Chrystal encourages us from her her book, Read more…
I’d Be Happy If…
My husband, Steve, loves golf. When a salesman invited him to be his guest on one of Charlotte’s most prestigious courses, he jumped at the chance. He plays mostly public courses, so this was a real treat.
As they drove their cart up to the sixth tee, Steve scanned the tree-lined fairway dressed in pink, purple, and fuchsia azaleas in full bloom. Read more…
When You Feel a Dream has Died
Today I’m writing over at Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Encouragement for Today. Here’s what I had to say. I pray the words will breathe fresh life into your soul. And make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post to learn about The 14 Days of Giveaways.
I sat on my porch with my Bible in my lap and a hot mug of coffee in my hand. Read more…
God, Will You Come Through for Me?
Do you ever wonder if God hears your cries? If He really cares about your dreams? I think we’ve all had those doubts at one time or another. Today I’ve invited my sweet friend Kelly Balarie to visit with us. She’s had those pondering and come out braver on the other side. Welcome Kelly as she warms our hearts with what to do while we wait. Read more…
When You Don’t Like the Story God is Writing
I often think of my life like a story God is writing…and so is yours. And to be honest, some parts of the story I don’t really like.
If it were up to me, I would have written some of it differently. My second child would not have died, and I would have a daughter who would be 26 years old this year. Read more…
Rest in the Here-ness and Near-ness of God
Have you ever been in a situation when you felt God calling your name to a particular task, and at the same time you felt that He had the wrong person for the job?
That’ exactly how Moses felt when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. He cried out, Read more…
What About Mary? What About You?
The story of Mary always touches me at the core of my being. What an amazing encounter for a girl so young. God’s plan of redemption was held by the thread of a teenage girl from Nazareth. Who knew it would be so strong?
We don’t know exactly how old Mary was at the time of Gabriel’s proclamation. Read more…
When a Dream Dies
I sat on my porch with my Bible in my lap and a hot mug of steamy in my hand. Early morning is my favorite time of day. Just me and Jesus and a smattering of birds.
I closed my Bible and looked out across the backyard. My eyes landed on a rounded mound of fur nestled in the grass under the willow tree. Read more…