I hope you have been encouraged by this "What if ... 10 ways to live well in today's world" series. We'll finish up this series next week. In case you've missed any, here is a recap: What if we do something instead of everything? What if we embrace good enough? What if we take a nap? What if we choose to be content? What if we pursue our passions? What if we give ourselves grace? What if we take off the masks? What if we mess everything up? Today's post is one we all need ... [Read More]
For Your Weekend
Happy Friday! We have survived midterms. Y'all, have I mentioned how much my girl does not enjoy Algebra and how that translates into a wee bit of stress around here? Yikes. Next week she has cheer tryouts. Buddy is hoping for his third year of being a cheer dog. Bless him, right? Since we're focused on all things encouraging and energetic here at the Underwood abode, I thought I'd share some of my favorite fun things lately. For example, Jimmy Kimmel's lip sync battles? Have you seen ... [Read More]
Learning to Offer Continual Praise
This morning I was reading Psalm 61. Witten by David, this psalm is a plea to help him recall the faithfulness of God at all times. These familiar words are from this passage: Lead to me to the rock that is higher than I, for You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. But David's desire wasn't just to know the presence of the Lord in times of trouble, he sought the comfort of God's nearness at all times. Let me dwell in Your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the ... [Read More]
Count It All Joy
[This post contains affiliate links for resources I recommend and have found useful. If you purchase through these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.] Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 ESV {emphasis added} This is the year I’m ... [Read More]
Coming in 2015
Well, here we are … the second Friday of 2015. Wow! Already I sense this year is going to fly by. Before everything gets totally out of control, I thought I’d take a minute to share a few of the things I have planned for this little online spot during the coming months. 31 Verses to Pray for Your Marriage. I’m very excited about this series, especially after the incredible response to 31 Verses to Pray for Your Girl. We’ll kick it off January 15 and end on Valentine’s Day. And of course, I’ll ... [Read More]
My One Word: JOY
One word, just one, to encapsulate my hopes and dreams and goals for the coming year. It seems a bit ambitious. And to be honest, I’ve tried this thing before. Some years I kept momentum and some years, well, let’s just say I didn’t. Last year, I never felt the Lord whispering a specific word to my heart. I wanted to … I mean, after all, it’s what all the cool kids do. And, if there’s anything I love, it’s being a part of what others are doing. In 2014, the Lord led me into my second year of ... [Read More]