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Small Steps In Bold Faith
There's a voice that's been nudging me. It's name is Faith. I've heard it in a message about Abraham. God called him to sacrifice his son. Abraham obeyed, having faith God would provide or raise him from the dead. Abraham obeyed and believed in the unseen. That's...
Why My Kids Don’t Do Energy Drinks
When energy drinks first came out, I decided they’d be off limits for my middle-school and elementary-age kids. They had enough energy as it was, why would you give them more? From experiences teaching and counseling teens, I see inerrant dangers when kids use...
When Humanity’s Falling Apart, He Holds It Together
Life beyond the picket fence isn't just a ministry, it's life - not the Instagram or Facebook kind, but the one you and I live that's not the storybook image. The one that leaves a hole in your heart where pain, sadness, or loss resides. Do you have a hole like...
3 Steps For Finding Wholeness
“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” Psalm 139:23 Do you ever wonder what God was thinking when gave you responsibilities? Like motherhood or leadership roles? You bring your hurts, insecurities, fears and past relationships into your roles. You bring your coping...
Shutting Out The Noise And Finding Rest
Today I sit in quiet. I've needed it, not just space away from others, but moments away from social media, TV and noise of life. A book signing, preparations for a big event for teen girls & moms in Iowa, preparing for the Balance retreat, working 25 hours a week,...
When Your Children Hurt You
There are days your children hurt you. I heard a new mom share her complete joy when her firstborn was laid on her chest. The universal moment a mom feels where hope, joy, and love comes together. New moms aren’t told how it feels when those feelings are invaded with...
10 Things I Learned From 5 Minutes Of Fame
This weekend was my first book signing. I am honored to be published in Chicken Soup For The Soul: Reboot Your Life. It was a great time. I made new friends with Glow Bookstore owner Denise Henke, saw old friends (including my elementary school principal!) and was...
Finding Value In Family Relationships
In one week, our family’s downsized. College Graduate moved to the East Coast and College Boy returned to the university. That leaves the High Schooler and Junior, the middle school boy. “Our fun little family of four” I call the rest of us. There’s a lot I like about...
Helping Your Daughter Grow Through Pain
There’s a hanging basket on my porch that’s been a challenge this summer. I can pour lots of water on it, but within minutes the water leaks through the soil. Instead of the soil being saturated, the dirt’s depleted. For soil to hold water for healthy growth, it needs...
Why You Need To Come
One day last spring, I wanted to get a journal for a friend who was going through a rough time. Wanting to shop local, I decided to stop in the new bookstore I'd noticed located on State Road 5, south of Shipshewana. I walked in and saw a spiral-bound journal with a...
When God Removes Bitterness
I learned something today. I sat in a room with forty other people and learned they weren't so different from me. We worshipped God, shared honestly with each other, and worked towards a common goal. Five years ago I would have never imagined I'd be part of a group...
When Marriage Isn’t What You Thought It’d Be
As a little girl, I dreamed of being a wife and mother. I...