BLESSED BEYOND EXHAUSTION
I sat in the back of the worship center, tears streaming down my face as I lifted my voice in praise. It had been a rough season of sickness and busyness. And because of those things, I’d missed a lot of Sundays. On a normal Sunday, you could find me helping lead worship in our contemporary service, but lately it had been a struggle even getting to church. If one…
I awake each morning before 5:00 and stumble toward the kitchen, searching for coffee. As I enter the living room, I’m greeted by the glow of our Christmas tree, set on a timer to turn on in the early morning hours. It’s a beautiful reminder of this season, that Jesus is the light of the world, and I’ll miss the warmth and coziness it provides once the darkness of January…
What Sounds Fun to You? I love to listen to Annie F Downs’ podcast, That Sounds Fun. It’s probably my favorite podcast right now. She interviews interesting guests and asks great questions. She recently released a new book, That Sounds Fun, where she talks about the importance of finding a hobby and having fun. (Admittedly, I haven’t yet read this book, but it’s on my list.) One thing Annie asks…
Ok, friends – here it is! The list of my favorite books from 2021. As usual, I’m asking you to comment with the one you’d like to read – and you’ll be entered in a giveaway to receive that book. The giveaway will be open until Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. CST so get your entries in! (Links are affiliate) Here are my favorite books from 2021 (in…
Thanksgiving is over – I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas! Thanksgiving always seems to get overlooked, doesn’t it? At least in recent years, I’ve felt like everyone rushes through the holiday in order to get to December. Thanksgiving is my favorite, though, with no pressure of buying the right gift or being super busy with all the extra Christmas parties and the dreaded holiday crafts. All you have to do…
Bringing home a toddler from a foreign country comes with many issues that you don’t really think about until you’re in the trenches. After being abandoned by her birth mom and placed in an orphanage, Jillienne had to learn to trust the nuns who were caring for her. Trust that they would meet her needs. Then when she was placed in my arms, she had to learn to trust me.…
October is my fave – fall weather plus my birthday month equals one happy mama! Our family has been busy with two birthday celebrations, Jillienne’s Gotcha Day, fall break, and gearing up for halloween. I’m worn out but also content with all the things we’ve enjoyed recently. Here are some of my October favorites: (Some links are affiliate) Spanx Faux Leather Leggings: These leggings are great for date night –…
Yes, it’s true! I wrote a book and I’m so excited to share it with all of you! When God Proves Faithful: An Adoption Memoir is our family’s story of infertility, loss, and adoption. And although it’s our story, it is also your story. My prayer in writing this book is that you will not only be able to see God’s hand in our family, but in your family as…
Aah. The weather is cooling down (maybe) and it’s beginning to feel like fall around here. I’ve had several favorite things this month but the best thing was seeing our girl this weekend for Belmont parent and family weekend. Brienne is happy and healthy and loving life, which makes this mama feel relieved and content. Here are a few other things I’m loving right now. (Some links are affiliate) The…
Growing up in church, you can’t help learning all the Bible stories – Noah’s Ark, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, Jonah and the Whale. I’ve heard those stories over and over, yet still God sometimes shows me something new. Recently I was praying through the Bible for one of my children and I found myself face to face with the story of Noah. His faithfulness. His obedience in building this…