The leaves are absolutely stunning around here these days. 🍁 I love the riot of colors and the gentle sound they make as they drift to the ground. Walking home from church this week, Dave and I found ourselves kicking through piles of leaves along the walkway—laughing as we remembered all those years of raking leaves into big heaps and tossing our kids into them. (Sometimes we jumped in too!) Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash I’m so grateful for simple joys like that. Maybe your life doesn’t...
15 days ago • 1 min read
Last week, I got to spend time with my daughter, son-in-love, and grandkids. What a joy to be in their home, part of their daily life, and even some special activities. With six kids, there’s a lot going on in that house! So many memories of our house when our kids were all home. At this point in my life, perspective has shifted. Have you felt that in your life? What seemed so important now looks different. As I chatted with my grandkids, I thought about how I wanted to encourage them to be...
22 days ago • 2 min read
Recently, Dave and I have faced several challenges. At times, I feel stymied, unsure which way to turn. We try one direction only to hit a roadblock, so we pivot. Other times, it feels like we’re treading water, trying to keep up. Even when we know we’re exactly where God wants us for this season, questions still bubble up: At this age and stage in our lives? Really, God? And then God surprises us. Amid the challenges, he shows glimpses of unexpected joy, lessons, or blessings that thrill our...
29 days ago • 1 min read
The cooler weather finally arrived last week. Something about the lower temps brings out the best in my tea. ☕️ The crisp mornings rejuvenate me. I know January and February will bring their biting cold, but for now, I’m savoring the simple joys—the smell of turning leaves, cozy sweaters, and the peaceful rhythm of autumn. 🍁 Consider When was the last time you asked God for something bold? A few years ago, our pastor challenged us to pray bold prayers. I’d never really thought about that...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
The last few days, Dave and I spent time visiting our family in Utah. Now that our kids and their families are scattered across the country, these quick trips are extra special. My heart always longs for more time—every moment feels like a treasure. Before we left, I made a choice: no laptop. I wanted to be fully present. What an incredible joy—and a breath of fresh air—it was to disconnect and simply be. One highlight? Watching our granddaughter perform with her color guard team in...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Ah, the holidays—sparkly lights, peppermint mochas, and that one relative who still asks awkward questions. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year… but if your marriage is hurting, it can feel more like survival mode. Even if he’s doing the “right things” in recovery, your heart may still feel tender, tired, and maybe even betrayed. You’re trying to hold it together, but inside, you’re wondering, How do I make it through this season? I get it. That’s why I created The...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Changing leaves. Cooler air with less humidity. Crisper mornings. Some of my favorite colors. Pumpkins, apples, and fragrant spices. I love fall. 🍂 But last evening, while watching reruns of an old favorite show, a commercial for Halloween decorations popped up. And my heart sank. Warning: here comes a little rant… I truly abhor this twist on the fall season. When I see all the spooky decorations and the winking at evil, I grieve how our culture trivializes the very real pain, suffering, and...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Who are your people? The ones you lean on when life gets messy and wobbly.The ones who don’t need your full explanation because they’ve been there, too.The crazies who brainstorm solutions with you when obstacles pop up.The ones whose texts, emails, or phone calls instantly lift your spirit. This past weekend, I attended a conference for counselors and coaches. I came away challenged, refreshed, and inspired to continue the race. These are my people—even though I don’t know many of them by...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Throughout the years, I’ve worked with several coaches for different reasons. One coach taught me a valuable lesson: stay with someone and learn all you can before jumping to the next shiny program. When you love learning like I do, it’s tempting to chase the next intriguing thing. This past year, I chose to focus on two areas: becoming a better coach and diving deeper into Proverbs and Psalms. Recently, I asked my coach to review the profile I’d completed in his training program. Why?...
2 months ago • 1 min read