We could hardly be considered "newbies."Because our family had been attending this same "happening" church for several years.Nor were we merely "observers" or back-pew church members.I'd say quite the opposite. We were heavily involved and did everything we could to connect and serve: small groups, Bibles studies, nursery duty, Sunday school, and more.So why?Why did I feel like crying in the parking lot at the end of so many Sundays?How could I feel more lost and alone ... continue reading...
Do You Wish To Get…Organized?
Why do you think Jesus asked the man who was paralyzed, "Do you wish to get well..?" in John 5:6?My first thought is, "Of course he wanted to get well! He'd been paralyzed for thirty-eight years." Then it is interesting that the man answered Him with reasons why he can't get well, why he can't get down to the pool.What if I asked you, Do you wish to...Get organized?Be your ideal weight?Love your husband?What would be your answer?Sometimes we pray and really want to ... continue reading...
The Gift of Discipling Younger Women
I have fond memories of Jana, the senior who discipled me during my sophomore year of college. She had beautiful eyes that smiled when she did, and a deep love for God that I admired. A bag of chocolate chips always sat between us, because studying God’s Word together with chocolate made it even more special.Do you have memories like this? Of an older woman—maybe just a few years older—who took the time to walk with you through life, teaching you the Word and/or practical ways to love ... continue reading...
How to Be Known for Hospitality
Last month we got the news that my husband's grandfather, Rev. John "Jack" Chinchen, founder of African Bible Colleges (whom we lovingly called "Grampy") went to glory at 94 years of age in South Africa. For the family, it was grief mixed with rejoicing. He was home, but we missed him terribly.Once it was decided that the funeral would be held in Mississippi, our little crew of six made our way down South, flying to Dallas and then driving across Louisiana to Jackson. I had only been to the ... continue reading...
How to Build Up Your Home with One Powerful Word at a Time
Are you ready to build up your marriage and home by speaking a powerful word of affirmation? You wouldn't think a word could make such a difference.But it does.On some days, all the difference in the world.The difference between tears or a smile.Between slumped shoulders or a hug.Between healing or hurt.Between building up or tearing down.Funny, how only a few words can turn around an entire day. Even turn around an entire heart.I know. Because I've seen ... continue reading...
What To Do When You’ve Become the Grumpy Mom
I love watching people react to the title of my new book on motherhood: Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday. They chuckle, nudge their friend and deep down, don’t take offense because they know it happens to all of us. We get grumpy.Grumpy doesn’t mean walking around with a scowl on a face all day long. It can, of course, but it may just be that subtle discontent that can settle in as we clean crumbs on the same floor we were on our knees cleaning just one day earlier. It may just be falling into bed ... continue reading...
5 Simple Ways to Call Out Fear and Calm Anxiety
Faith is not always my reflex. I wish it was. I wish you could tap on my fears with a soft hammer and faith would pop up involuntarily like a child’s leg does for the doctor. Just a little stimuli and boom - there’s my faith.Sometimes it works that way. In carefully practiced situations, when a friend is struggling with something a little more familiar, kids or marriage or work issues - I’m first in line to pray with and for them, believing in God’s ability to intervene and sustain. But ... continue reading...
5 Beautiful Adoption Stories That Will Inspire Your Faith
Adoption is close to the heart of God. I know this for a fact because He talks about it. In Psalms, we’re told that God sets the lonely in families (Psalm 68:5-6) and in another place God is identified as the “helper of the fatherless” (Psalm 10:14). Throughout Scripture, we see that adoption plays a key role in many significant lives (Esther, Moses, Samuel, etc…) and God uses the terminology of adoption to identify our own relationship and connection with Him (Romans 8:14-17).One thing is ... continue reading...
How to Enjoy the Freedom of Forgiveness In Your Marriage {FAITHFUL LIFE #8}
I'm not naturally a good forgiver.For some reason, forgiving doesn't come quickly or easily to me.A slow forgiver, as Matt puts it.There's something in me that wants to hold on to the offense and hurt, even after he's already said sorry and asked my forgiveness.But it's like I don't want him to get away with it "too easily."Almost like I want to make sure he's very, very sorry.Maybe even make him pay a little for his (repented) sin.In other words, I've struggled with ... continue reading...
Saying YES To Ministry…and Being Uncomfortable
This year I decided I'm willing to feel uncomfortable.I've had a professional organizing business for twelve years. But, this year I am focused on growing my coaching business. It requires me to do a LOT of new things.Uncomfortable things. Scary things. Things I've never done before.Doing these new things requires me to feel uncomfortable.I made the decision that I'm willing to feel uncomfortable in order to reach my goal. Willing to fail in order to get better at the things I'm ... continue reading...
9 Easter Books You and Your Kids Will Love
It's spring and Easter is on the horizon! Snuggle together with your children and enjoy these Easter stories.Spring is in the air here on our little plot of land. Black-eyed Susans are popping up, the yard is shaded by a fresh, green canopy and our first brood of bluebirds has already fledged! It makes me thankful to stop and take a breath of springtime air and realize Easter Sunday is still ahead of us. I have spent months looking forward to seeing my nearly two-year-old nephew hunt ... continue reading...
How to Encourage the Close Family You Long For {FAITHFUL LIFE #7}
I can’t tell you how much I love these people.Each one is a gift straight to my heart.Something I’ve always realized. But all the more now that half of them are spread across the country.We were blessed with ten wonderful days together over the holidays, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Slow morning coffee times together, the olders snuggling with the youngers, talking, laughing, and playing games.Not perfect like something from a storybook. Yet beautiful all the same.Real, ... continue reading...
