“Oh Mom, I just love this magical time of year. It’s so cozy with lights, hot chocolate, movies and our special family traditions!” My heart warmed as I agreed with our youngest daughter. So when our Sunday school moderator asked me […]
Even When It’s Hard
Oct21
“Mom, I really don’t want you to invite them to our house. Their kids are kind of weird, and I’m not friends with them. It will be just plain awkward. Can’t you just ask the mom? I mean it. Don’t […]
What Does Your Mirror Tell You Right Now?
Aug6
Everyday I look into a mirror. Once, twice, if not multiple times a day, but after last week, I will never look at my reflection the same way again. For five days I was part of a ministry team that […]
A Recipe So Easy You Can Make it in Your Car
Jun8
Find out what others are saying about “Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation.” A perfect summer read. Come as You Are is an invitation I’ve extended here for years. When you’re known for freely sharing your […]
Join the (Free) Just Open the Door Book Club
Apr25
Click here to join our Just Open the Door Book Club Chat! Hospitality. That word can bring with it a whole lot of expectations and anxiety. Inviting people into your home might feel like inviting judgment on your entertaining skills and […]
Thrown away in a Garbage Bag & Left to Die: My Precious Nephew
Mar21
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day today, a repost of the year everything changed. Nearly eight years ago, I traveled to Ecuador with my sister in love to bring home my precious nephew, Edison. Thrown away in a garbage bag […]
Just Open the Door: Fun FREEBIES!!
Mar16
A friend once said that launching a book is like standing in front of an audience in your underwear. How’s that for an opener to this post? At the time I didn’t get it, nor did it matter to me […]
Can We Laugh Together?
Feb21
My new friend pulled me aside and with a smile errupting on her face declared, “I’ve always wondered if blondes really do have more fun. Well, today they sure did.” I was shocked by her comment. She’d enjoyed herself? I […]
The Talk: Say the Right Thing, Even When Your Child Says the Wrong
Nov28
Our eldest son turns twenty four in two days and then next month, we usher him into a new season of married life. It’s been a joy to have him living at home for the last six months, but we’re […]
Join Me in Rewriting the Best “To-Do” List This Holiday Week
Nov15
Thanksgiving is upon us, so I’ve made my list and I’m checking it twice: Mashed Potatoes (the Make Ahead recipe), Cider Baked Turkey (purchase the juice), Butterhorn Rolls (for Gratitude Rolls), Pumpkin Bars, and I must remember to cut out […]
Why Can’t We All Get Along?
Aug22
How Good and Pleasant it is when God’s People Live Together in Unity. Our four year old daughter stormed through the front door, flung herself on the sofa and with a Scarlet Ohara flair declared, “I just don’t understand why […]
Life Changing Legacy Happening in Frozen Foods
May31
In the middle of Aldi’s frozen food aisle, I “did” church. Right in between the tater tots and frozen peas, I almost missed it. I’m so grateful I didn’t. Since I’ve been studying Scripture on imperfect hospitality, I’ve begged the […]
Easter, The Bunny, and My Thoughts: Should We Mix the Two?
Mar21
How is it that Easter is right around the corner? I have so many fun traditions, recipes and decor ideas in the archives if you’re looking for more ideas, check here. As a young mom, with four babies in five […]
When I Struggle with a Fresh, New Year
Jan22
It’s January: everything around me reminds me it’s time to ring in 2017 with new beginnings, goals, dreams and a renewed vigor to all things. Brand new journals glisten with fresh pages eager to be conquered and the artistry and craftsmanship […]
Life in Season: Celebrate the Moments that Fill Your Heart and Home
Nov29
I remember Vanessa pulling me to the side of the room. Her eyes got big, her smile widened and I could feel her passion as she told me about a potential opportunity to share her heart through the pages of a book. […]
