“I think that is a better thing than thanksgiving: thanks-living. How is this to be done? By a general cheerfulness of manner, by an obedience to the command of Him by whose mercy we live, by a perpetual, constant delighting of ourselves in the Lord, and by a submission of our desires to His will.” – Charles Spurgeon Thanksgiving season is upon us! Harvest decorations are everywhere, everyone is purchasing a turkey (or tofurkey) and the nip in the air tells me it is time to give thanks! We Americans are programmed to feel warm, fuzzy, and appreciative in November. I wonder why we become … [Read more...]

When I was nine years old, I met Lauran. She was bright-eyed, extremely intelligent, and she had an incredible imagination. As a fellow only-child, she understood what it was like to play alone; but, unlike me, she did not need to be entertained. Her mind contained everything she required to create whatever world she wanted. She had the talent to turn an idea into something adventurous – and she still does! Since the third grade, Lauran has dreamed of making a major splash in the film industry; and, regardless of obstacles, she has never lost sight of her ultimate goal. When I think of someone … [Read more...]

Lord, I want a man who will sing with me. I am excited at the prospect of leading worship with my future husband. And please, Lord, let him be taller than me. Oh, and sweet! I desperately want a man who is sweet and kind and will treat me like a princess. And, of course, I need a man who is hard-working, a great dad, and willing to provide for his large family – someone who sees the value in me being a stay-at-home mom. Please give me someone who will love You, love my family, and if he happens to have brown hair and brown eyes to match mine, I will not complain! Before Eric and I met, I … [Read more...]

Nothing warms my heart and stimulates my funny bone quite like watching children play. Being the personality nerd I am, I am fascinated by how early children begin showing evidence of their unique natures. There are timid children who approach the tall slide seven or eight times and still refuse to come down. There are leader children who tell all the other kids what to do. There are loner babies who wander off and pick flowers or go on adventures with their imaginary friends. And, there are fearless children, the ones who make my heart leap out of my chest at least four times a minute. They … [Read more...]