16 Verses to Guide 2016

Each of us will allow something to guide our plans to influence our calendars, and to shape our priorities in the coming year.  If we aren't careful, though, that something may not be the best guide. A few weeks ago I shared some of my desires for 2016 ... and as I've prayed and spent time in the Word, I have identified 16 verses to guide 2016. John 15:5-8 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in ... [Read More]

Top 10 Posts of 2015

Can you believe we're less than a week away from 2016? This year feels like it passed so quickly.  All those moms who smiled at me when my girl was a baby and said, "Don't blink!" were so right!!  My girl will turn 16 in less than two months.  What??  {I find this most amazing since I haven't gotten any older at all since she was born. haha!} I looked over all the posts I wrote in 2015 and made a list of the top ten {measured by numbers of page views and social media sharing}. So, here ... [Read More]

Things I’m Loving These Days

Y'all, it's been a crazy few weeks for the Underwood family.  We've had parties and ball games and family visits and all three of us managed to get sick too. {Because, really, what's a busy holiday season without everyone needing antibiotic and steriod shots. ha!} But here's the thing, I know I won't have much time to write again before the end of the year.  I do have a few posts scheduled but I'm making the choice to be offline or at least mostly offline. By offline I mean, I'll be ... [Read More]

Desires for 2016: Preparing Your Heart for the Year Ahead

What are your dreams and desires for 2016? I know, it probably feels like I'm rushing this post ... and maybe I am a little bit. But I was thinking this morning how 2015 has flown by and I know these last few days of this year will be gone like a flash. So I started a little list of dreams I have for next year. Just some hopes and plans I'm pondering and treasuring as I look at what I hope 2016 will bring. These aren't the big goals and resolutions we often talk about as a new year ... [Read More]

Why Does Advent Matter?

  Our Elf is not on the shelf this year. She's happily resting on a ladder propped against the tree. She'll stay there with her little sideways grin until we pack all the stuff up until next year.  (Unless, that is, our fifteen-year-old decides she wants to use the elf to torment her daddy  at some point this month.) I've got two Advent calendars and a little chalkboard to count down the days set out. But, let's be real here, it's only December 3 and I'm already behind. As much ... [Read More]

Advent Ideas and 2 Gifts You Should Give Yourself

December 1, 2015. Wow. This morning as I was having my quiet time, I realized this year has truly flown by. It feels like just yesterday I was sharing the 31 Verses to Pray for Your Marriage. We've got a busy week ahead, as I'm sure many of you can relate. Yesterday, in the email I sent out to all those who have subscribed {I really need a good name for you sweet friends who are getting my emails ... any ideas??} I shared five ways I'm seeking to abide during this busy holiday season.  I've ... [Read More]