encouragement

My sister sent me a song that has seemed like the soundtrack for my life over the last year. Bryan and Katie Torwalt sing some of the sweetest lyrics to God- lyrics that have captured my heart and often bring me to tears in remembrance of His faithfulness: Wouldn’t it be like You to be different than we thought, different…

Previously, I wrote about being Single in a Pandemic. Ya’ll, I’m still single and no matter what outside looks like, we’re still in a pandemic. Being single in a pandemic hits different when you’ve contracted COVID three times as I have. Yep, you read that right- THREE times. You would think that instead of being out here in these streets,…

When going on vacation, I’ve learned that some of the most interesting people you will meet will be on the airplane. In my case, there was an eleven-hour plane ride and a young man sat in between my friend and me (she loves the aisle and I prefer the window). While we hoped the seat in between us would remain…

I’m an avid dreamer. Some of my dreams are the result of eating or drinking something too close to bedtime while others are my soul trying to work out an inner dilemma or issue I’m wrestling with. I also believe that some of my dreams are from the Lord. To some, this may seem like creepy Christian talk. Before you…

I have a love/loathe relationship with dating. Dating is exploratory. Hopeful. Unfortunately, it’s also risky. If I could, I would put up a sign that reads, “don’t come for a boss unless you’re ready to boss up!” but I imagine that might be perceived as a bit too unapproachable . . . even for me. I love the jolly hopefulness…

I remember when forty sounded so . . . well, old. But that’s because I was twenty-something with only a glimpse of what real life ensued. As I’ve aged and the wisdom I’ve gained has shown up in my physical features, I’ve learned to truly appreciate the value in aging. I’m 41 years old and proud of it. When you…

If you grew up in church, you probably heard about the prophet, Jonah, who was swallowed by a big fish in his attempt to escape the assignment God had given him. The story came across as trivial during my younger years. The whole idea of running from God seemed silly and pointless. I mean, He’s God. He’s everywhere and He knows everything. How do you run from the Creator?  I admit I…

It’s Christmas season, my favorite time of the year. Needless to say, it’s easy to forget the reason for the season especially since Christmas has been so commercialized. Now, don’t get me wrong- I participate in this commercialism, but we can’t lose sight of this beautiful moment in history. The story of Jesus’ birth leaves me in wonder and amazement.…

I sat at my table with my coffee mug warming my hands and the sweet smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting up my nose. The sun poured into the room casting long shadows along the floor as the heater stirred to life. I was feeling cozy and rested on Thanksgiving morning. The “Happy Thanksgiving” texts were already starting to come…

There is one specific thing about homeowning that I didn’t take seriously when I bought my house: yard work. Yes, I knew it would be required, but I didn’t consider the investment and commitment to maintaining a beautiful yard. My Daddy has always kept an impeccable yard. I still remember the loud roar of the riding mower on Saturday mornings…