I used to make beautiful meals… before I learned the fine art of the chicken nugget. With a toddler and a baby brother, and a belly full of another, I stopped reading Bon Appetite Magazine. And the china took up […]
I Want That To Describe Me
Jul18
Smooshed together in the back of the Guatemalan jeep, our four teens peered out the window, eyeing the edge of the cliff. I watched as our thirteen-year-old daughter clutched her plastic bag, just in case her stomach caught up with […]
Praying Through the News Headlines
Jun19
I wrote this post over at (in)courage before the most devastating week we’ve had in Orlando, yet what I share rings even more true now. With the online parental shaming I see in regards to both the gorilla and alligator tragedies, along […]
I’ve Never Been Told That Before
Mar10
Clutching the crisp, white note, I held my 20 year old breath as I reread the words scribbled on the stationary by the Director of Admissions at my university. “Jennifer, Thank you for your servant leadership this year on our […]
The Importance of Fighting For Those Moments
Mar1
I’m coming back from my longest blogging break ever. I never intended to stop posting, but if felt so good. Taking a step back gave me time to think, refresh and refocus (although I’m still in process on that ;)). I’ve […]
One Little Perspective Change Altered How I Mother
Feb17
With a song in her heart, my mom’s sweet little voice sang out. Relishing in the joy that music brings to the soul of a young child, her heart filled and was satisfied. Then the words came. Words that changed […]
I Need to Focus on the Baton
Jan25
Shock and devastation erupted. The dreaded sound, which no relay runner wants to hear, permeated across the stadium. Ping. Ping. Ping. Four of the fastest runners in the world watched hope roll down the track. After an upset in the 2004 […]
Is Balance Possible?
Jan15
This past week, I started pondering why my 2016 hasn’t gotten off to the start I hoped. As friends share their new resolve and goals attained, I’ve become more discouraged. Yet through that discouragement, I’m slowly coming to terms with some […]
Remembering Truth Amidst Chaos
Jan10
A couple days ago, my daughters made a “kids couch.” They pushed together two folding chairs, covered it with a blanket, and snuggled up on top with books. It was adorable that they were so determined to sit with each […]
Keeping the Advent Story Fresh: Through Mary’s Eyes
Dec23
“Oh Mom, I just love this magical time of year. It’s so cozy with lights and hot chocolate, Hallmark movies and our special family traditions . . .” My heart warmed as I agreed with our youngest daughter, so when […]
My Real Family Christmas Letter
Dec15
In the next few weeks, Christmas cards and letters from friends far and near will descend on our mailbox. Memories will resurface from a lifetime ago. Unfamiliar faces will appear in pictures, as marriages have dissolved and new covenants established. […]
The One Word Vocabulary Shift That Profoundly Changed Me
Nov8
Our eyes glimpsed the deer grazing across the pond. Birds sang, ducks swam, and a cacophony of crickets serenaded. As the sun set on our outdoor conversation, a more serene backdrop couldn’t be envisioned, yet our hearts’ cry was anything but. […]
Unveiling the Masks
Oct30
When you look in the mirror, do you don a mask of perfection and performance? Or maybe you hide behind a mask for fear of reaction? Lies whisper shame and accusation, “You’ll never measure up – if only they knew!”
And then we listen…we listen and embrace lies!
Do you need someone to tell you how special you are, to affirm the role you are doing in your family, marriage, workforce, or ministry?
Stop Waiting, Stop Wondering & Be All In
Oct19
Circled around close, we clutched our coffee mugs. With the backdrop set for conversation between myself and these precious stay at home moms, the sound of toddlers alternated between giggling, screaming, and squealing. I listened. We were interrupted. I heard. We were […]
The Power of a PB & J Sandwich
Sep27
This summer, the power of a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich was made known. (First shared over at (in)courage.) Steam radiated throughout the air and sweat rolled down places my deodorant would never reach. I don’t know why I even […]
