When I was a little girl, I loved pretending to be a bride. I’d wrap a sheet around my body, drape a towel over my head, and hold a bouquet of plastic flowers to my chest. Then I would start at one end of the hallway in our ranch-style house and saunter down the “aisle.” In my little mind, all eyes were on me as my sheet became a pearl-studded wedding gown, Read more…
Do These Pants Make My Hips Look Big?
I went hunting in a clothing consignment store—people watching more that actually clothes shopping. I gathered a few possibilities and then stood in line to try them on.
A group of friends occupied the three dressing rooms with piles and piles of clothes. It was quite a parade as the girls popped in and out of the cubbies to model their finds. Read more…
G-R-A-C-E when you need it
There it was.
Carved in wood.
The evidence could not be denied.
My niece, Anna, dropped her kids off at school and then went home to clean up a bit. She removed a hairbrush, school papers, and yesterday’s jewelry from her dresser. And there it was. She couldn’t believe her eyes.
A nail.
And a name. Read more…
How to be a Servant in a World Full of Self
I’ve invited my friend, Emily Wierenga to share with you today from her new book, Making It Home. I love sweet Emily, and when you read her books, you can’t help but love her too. So grab a cup of coffee and take a peek in the window of her home and her soul.
How to be a Servant in a World Full of Self
Emily T. Read more…
When Your Heart Needs More
It was a bit too early. Little Tripp was snug in his mommy’s womb, and not quite ready to meet the world. But the doctors decided it was time for his grand debut.
My niece, Emily, developed preeclampsia in her last weeks of pregnancy. The doctors waited as long as they could, but surmised that it was best if little Tripp be welcomed into the world sooner rather than later. Read more…
The Power of One Word From You
I was wandering around the tourist area of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Shelves with tacky little statues, snow globes with leaning towers, and ten dollar t-shirts crowed small booths for tourists.
Shifty men with cases of “genuine fake” watches swarmed like bees. Rolex, Cartier, and Infinity—all for fifty bucks or less. Flashing fake gold and flaunting fake brands; Read more…
When You Feel Weighed Down, Worn Out, and Bound Up
I was riding down the crowded streets of Mexico City in a cab when I saw her. She measured about four feet high, backed curved, bent at the waist at a ninety-degree angle, and fingers gnarled and twisted shut. Like an upside down chair, her face was parallel to the dirty sidewalk. Feet, dirt, trash. That was her view of the world. Read more…
When You Forget…Remember Grace
Ann. I just love her. In just the few years I’ve know her, she has taught me much about gracious, grace-filled living. My friend Jill has the privilege of being a companion to Ann two days a week. But Jill is more than a companion…she is Ann’s friend.
Last week Ann called Jill in a panic.
“Jill, 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…
When You Feel You’ve Fallen Too Far
I wish you could sit with me for one day and read the emails that come to my inbox. Some rip my heart out. Such was the case with the one I’m going to share with you today. This dear sister has graciously granted me permission to share it. This blog is a bit long, but I really want you to to get it. Read more…
