Through the Bible
If you're like most people, reading the Bible more probably made it on your resolutions list. Again. Maybe you are one of those people who has the best of intentions on January 1 but by the time you see the word "begat" ... you're done. I understand. For many years, I was one of those people too. If you are one of my fellow resolution makers and want to engage more with God's Word this year, I've got a few tips for you: 1) SIGN UP FOR A PLAN - yes, I know it's January 5th but that's okay. Be
Goals for the New Year
I have to admit I really hate New Year’s resolutions. For years I would come into the new year with a lofty list of resolutions that were completely abandoned by the second week of January. As the years went on, I said to myself that I would just have one or two goals to focus on, and maybe I could stick to those. Those resolutions lasted a little longer, but soon enough those fell to the wayside as well. As we were closing out 2020, I started to think about resolutions again to see if there was a way that
2021
So I tried a new thing over the holidays. I wanted to get my nails done and asked to try the dip powder I had recently heard about. I went in with excitement because it was new to me and I was eager to see what it would look like. But as soon as the process began, I doubted my decision. Buffing of my nails felt weird. My nails hadn’t been shaped and yet they were being dipped in a powder. I was tense to say the least. But my nail technician was friendly and working with precision. I finally
A 2020 Altar
I'm not gonna lie. As I sit here on this cold, rainy final day of 2020, I am relieved that this year is done. We came into this year with all kinds of 2020 vision statements. Optimism flowed freely. We knew THIS was our year. A few months in, our realities were shaken. Our family faced change in every aspect of our lives- some planned but mostly not. Many of you faced joblessness, illness, isolation and even loss of loved ones. Some of you were robbed of your senior year and graduation. You're not alone. This year did not contain
What a Year!
What a year! Am I right? It’s been particularly challenging for relationships of all kinds, especially in the body of Christ. Areas in which we were able to be on the surface over the years were forced to be dealt with in 2020 thanks to the close quarters of home or the constant access to social media. This was no exception for my family, but the Lord, in His infinite mercy, showed us how to navigate in ways that I believe have become lessons for life. At the onset of the pandemic, a familiar foe named fear made a reappearance.
Hope in the Dark
The last few days my family has been without internet due to an outage with my service provider. It's been a “rough” few days for us, to say the least. School is out for Christmas break and my children have been bored out of their minds...no video games, no TV, no Netflix...nothing. While there were a lot of complaints and maybe a tear or two, this was actually a great gift to help us reset during this otherwise busy season. So often the reverence of this season is lost in all the shopping, gatherings, and fun activities we busy ourselves
Toffee Snacks
You’ve been invited to a small, socially distanced holiday gathering, and you don’t want to go empty handed. Perhaps you’re like me & you are NOT much of a baker BUT you’re just not feeling a store bought dessert. Girl, have I got an idea for you! ? We call it “toffee snacks” at my house (even though I don’t always include toffee). Make it once & I know you’ll make it again! The ingredients have become a staple in my pantry all year long. Toffee Snacks: Mix 1/2 cup melted butter & 1 pkg crushed graham crackers (9 Graham
Tis the Season for Hope
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just four days away. While it’s typically associated with being merry, the reality is that many don’t feel so merry at this time of year. For starters, this year is unique for many being separated from loved ones due to the pandemic. In addition, the holiday season is a reminder for many of the loved ones who are no longer here on this side of eternity to celebrate with, the relationships that have been strained, or unexpected life-changing circumstances. Pain and sadness are associated with these and leaves one feeling as if there
Hosting 101
Christmas is my holiday to host. Now that we’ve done it for several years, it’s officially a tradition. Of course, this year we are making some adjustments but regardless, there will be people in my house on Christmas Day. My friend is hosting Christmas for the first time and asked for some advice. I’m no expert but there are some things I’ve learned along the way. *The week before: -Finalize your menu. Write it all down. Everything. -Finalize your guest list as much as possible. This gives you a chance to ask them to bring something too … ain’t no
The Other Side of “Do not Fear”
When I was sixteen, I walked out of my local DMV office, feeling quite defeated and embarrassed. I failed my drivers test. I don’t remember much about the test or what all I missed (probably parallel parking)...but I DO remember what my mom said when I told her that I failed. ‘That’s okay. The next opportunity you get, take it again. If you can get an appointment tomorrow, take it then. Don’t wait.’ My mom knew the longer I waited, the more anxious I would become. She didn’t want fear to settle into my heart. I took her advice &
