Goodness Overflow

“JAMS, I need you to stop doing that.” “I need you to stop doing that NOW!” “OKAY, I AM COMING TO HELP YOU TO STOP DOING THAT!” I cannot tell you how often I say these exact phrases each day. Life with a curious, intelligent, and confident child can have its challenges as they exercise…

Sow Loud!

Happy New Year! Here we are in the season of pondering what life would look like if we made a few changes to better ourselves. I do it. January brings the idea of the promise of a new way of doing things. I always tend to think of losing the holiday celebration weight and moving…

A Very Bright Light

An Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born…

The Power of Living Loved

One constant thing in my daily routine is meditating on scripture when I wake up. I have an app, You Version, on my phone that makes it easy to access the Bible wherever I am. Each morning, I find a Verse of the Day and a couple of short teachings from different individuals on its…

How’s Your Spiritual Life Going?

  Argh! Once again, I was ripping out all the stitches on my sweater project. My work was all wrong according to the gauge, and when that happens— well let’s just say—things don’t turn out like they are supposed to. In my case, if I kept going, I would end up with something that wouldn’t…

Can I Get a Witness?

“I can’t do that.” This statement is one often heard when people are called upon to share their testimony with others, followed by, “Evangelism is not my gifting. Someone else would be much better at it. I wouldn’t know what to say. Just let me serve behind the scenes.” They talk themselves out of it…

Tiny Beginnings

“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” Matthew 13:33 My kitchen has the lovely smell of bread rising. Flour mixed with yeast gives off the beautiful aroma of the anticipation of something wonderful to come. I can remember my…

Are You All In? Trusting God Completely

It was a long night spent sitting in cramped quarters. What was I thinking? About half way in, I began to think my traveling days were over. I reached my limit of “discomfort by choice.” And then there was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. The Hours to Arrival ticked down…

On a Mission: Not Your Typical Teenage Dream

I’m happy to announce a new feature on my blog. On a Mission will feature women who have taken on Jesus’ command to reach out to their communities and into the world beyond to love others. I hope that you find the stories encouraging as you get to know these extraordinary Girls on Adventure. I would like to…

When God Became Real

Now, the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. John 1:14a When I was a young woman, I walked away from the church. Maybe it was just the religious part of church I left behind. I just didn’t fit in. Where there should have been acceptance, I received rejection. Where I should have…