begin.

A really special book launches tomorrow, and the fact that I’m part of it is a dream come true in more ways than one. Just six months ago, I had been thinking and praying about our generation’s need for more voices to speak life and truth and practical spiritual application into the hearts of women. More voices pointing

The Marathon: HIGH FIVES FOR EVERYONE!

I recently ran my second marathon, and, considering my Top Three Love Languages are 1. Words of Affirmation, 2. Words of Affirmation, and 3. High Fives, it’s no surprise that Marathon Day was the best. day. ever. Consequently, the only suitable way to recall said marathon is with an outpouring of thanks and gratitude to some of the unsung heroes of the day:

To run with patience.

Is there a phrase or a Bible verse you’ve heard so many times you go on auto-pilot when you hear it repeated? As a runner, I’ve long had a bit of Scripture tucked away with special affection: …let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…  I grasp for it when I push for the finish line

Brow lines, belly fat, & broken hearts. (Thoughts about the marks we bear.)

I’ve become somewhat preoccupied with the lines on my face this year. I’d like to tell you I’m incredibly self-assured, graciously embracing the changes in my skin and my body year after year. But that would be a lie. The truth is, I stare at myself for a shameful amount of time. Inches from the mirror, inspecting the changes

The Best Worst Day

Owen swam all morning with his buddies at our neighborhood pool today. It was the BEST day. Until he found out Molly is going to a birthday party tonight. Suddenly, “this is the WORST DAY EVER.” Back home, we had a heart-to-heart on his bedroom floor. “I NEVER get to do fun things!” he shouted. His eyes began tearing

I needed this reminder. I bet you do too. (Also, sometimes it’s good to talk to strangers.)

I don’t know why the man started talking to me. The kids had just opened their Chick-fil-a meals when I noticed the elderly man at the table next to us. He sat alone. He leaned over and said hello. We exchanged pleasantries, which turned to small talk, and before long he was telling me where he grew up. He mentioned he’s a

Starving. With a mouth full of food.

My children tell me they’re hungry all. day. long. Often they’re just thirsty. Or bored. Sometimes they’re actually hungry. And sometimes, they have the audacity to tell me they’re hungry WHILE THEY’RE EATING. Owen regularly asks for more food while he still has half a plate in front of him. Molly even had an apple in

#firstfridayfinds: It.

It’s the first Friday in April, which means I’m linking up with Elizabeth at Words and Wonder for first friday finds! Ready? One verse, fifteen minutes, and… go. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thess. 5:24) I’m not sure where to even begin with this verse. It jumped

Savor: What I learned about God from a chocolate bar.

I’m feeling a little queasy. Possibly because I just took down 2/3 of a Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Bar with Caramel, Black Sea Salt, & 70% crack cocaine cacao. I really only meant to have a delicate little square. You know, practice the art of “savoring” rather than “gluttonously inhaling.” But the square didn’t break evenly,

100 Days of Gratitude: Day 32

311. The newest worship album, Only King Forever, just released today by our church! Seriously, it’s more than worth checking out and downloading here. These songs have already moved my heart over the past several months at church — and I’m so grateful they’ve been blaring in our home tonight. Can’t get enough. 312. Owen lost