Last year was defined by essentially one thing — releasing a book. Tasks related to Praying for Girls dominated my planner and to do lists. And it was great! 2018 is shaping up to be full of more challenges and changes than I ever imagined. Because of this, I'm determined to stay focused each week on the BIG THINGS. Keeping the BIG THINGS in Focus One of my favorite parts of each week is the hour or so I spend on either Saturday or Sunday afternoon planning the week ahead. I use that time ... [Read More]
5 Reasons to Choose DaySpring Planners
The next 12 months are full of big stuff for the Underwoods. My book release and Casiday's senior year are sort of the bookends to all the ink poured out on our calendars. I'm always a planner nerd ... and it's not unusual for me to switch planners if the one I'm using doesn't work for me. In fact, that very thing happened last November. DaySpring was having a great sale on their 2016-2017 planners so I ordered one. And I fell in love. Seriously. I've tried pretty much every planner out ... [Read More]
The Power of Things that Will Last
A couple of weeks ago, after I had shared my testimony in church, one of my former Sunday school teachers sent me a card. Like a real card in the mail. I can't even begin to explain how much it meant to me that she had taken the time to encourage me and share what my story had meant to her. My family is full of note-senders. My dad wrote me letters every week for my first year of college. I have stacks of cards and notes from my grandmothers, aunts, and others. There is something ... [Read More]
15 Ideas for #GivingTuesday
What is #GivingTuesday? In 2012 #GivingTuesday began as an effort to respond to the commercialization and materialism of Christmas. Urging people to use the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving as a day to give back to organizations making a difference in communities and around the world, #GivingTuesday has continued to grow and expand. I love this important reminder to all of us that the true gift is always is giving not getting! Why does it matter? I believe most of my readers are like me. ... [Read More]
The Advent Invitation: Come in all your messiness
I've been doing the She Reads Truth study on The Beatitudes. It's one of my favorite passages—and also one that reminds me how much I need Jesus. I started reading these verses in Matthew 5 the day after the election and I've been reading them, meditating on them, praying them, and studying ever since. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the ... [Read More]
5 Gifts She Will LOVE for Mother’s Day
Looking for a great Mother's Day gift? Or anniversary gift ... or birthday gift ... or "I love you because you are amazing" gift? I've spent a few days gathering up some ideas for you {or for you to share as a subtle hint}. Let's face it, Mother's Day is a great opportunity to show the moms or aunts or grandmothers {or women who have loved you well over the yeas} how much they mean to you. But, the truth is, sometimes we just don't have time to scour the interwebs or local boutiques for just ... [Read More]
