Scott started a new job last Sunday. And for the first time in my life, a new position at a new church didn't require an immediate move. So, even though we no longer attend and serve at a church in our small town, we still live here. Which means, last night while we were eating out, we got to see several friends from our previous church. And yesterday while I was getting my hair cut and colored (hallelujah!), a sweet little girl from Calvary came into the same salon and we got to get our ... [Read More]
The Gift of FORGIVENESS
Okay, this post is the one I almost decided not to write. I mean, I get to choose which topics to include and which to leave out. So, naturally, I considered leaving out the ones that are hardest for me. But here's the thing: forgiveness isn't optional for us as believers. It's a gift we've received and it's one we're expected to give. Even when it's hard. Even when the offender isn't sorry. Even when we don't want to. Even when it takes doing it again and again, day after ... [Read More]
3 Reasons Gathering around a Table Matters
A few years ago I read what has become one of my favorite quotes about motherhood, The great motherhood friendships are the ones in which two women can admit how difficult mothering is quietly to each other, over cups of tea at a sticky table with spilled apple juice and littered with markers without tops. ~ Anna Quindlan It's true, right? Those friends who've seen the mess in our homes and our hearts, who know our fears and failures, who've laughed and cried with us — not just about ... [Read More]
On the Hard Days
Yesterday one of our very best friends from Georgia passed away unexpectedly. Last night I hugged one of my dear friends whose daughter is leaving today for college and whose husband is battling cancer. The precious young lady who used to cut my hair will bury her mom today. When I wrote Tuesday's post about knowing God holds it all together, I had no idea what the rest of this week would bring. I had no idea I'd be overwhelmed by grief and aching for those who are facing the darkest kind of ... [Read More]
Heart Sisters by Natalie Snapp {Book Review}
Yesterday my friend Alycia and I talked for about an hour. She's starting a new therapy practice and needed some counsel about her website. I gave her some information and ideas ... but most of our conversation was about life. Alycia and I have been friends for over 30 years. We met in eighth grade when my dad joined the pastoral staff at First Baptist Church, Fairview, Oklahoma. Almost every memory I have of high school involves Alycia. We had our fair share of misunderstandings and there were ... [Read More]
How to Respond when “Love One Another” Isn’t Easy
{This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission should you purchase from them.} Let's face it: "Love One Another" isn't always easy. Relationships are hard and as much as technology has given us more ways to connect, it's also given us more ways to miscommunicate or be misinterpreted. Yesterday my Sunday School class studied several verses from Romans 12: Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. ... [Read More]
