What are Your “No’s” for November?

On the shore of the lake, I sit watching my children fish with their dad. Quietly and patiently, I wait as each child casts their bait into the water. Each one eagerly anticipates the joy of a fish on the line.  Waiting, hoping, and laughing together in the...

October Recap

The leaves are changing, and the days are cooler here in Virginia. As I pause to breathe and reflect on the last few weeks, I am so very grateful for all God's goodness, and equally exhausted because the days have been filled with busyness and unexpected challenges. I'm...

What Are You Wearing Today?

Old egg cartons, an empty box, and a teal trash can clutter the floor of my kitchen. My son sits in the midst of the pile of trash imagining the transformation possibilities. In less than an hour, he converts the pile of waste into a...

Are Your Eyes Open Today?

“Sweetheart, I need you to talk to me.” My husband requests as he stares out the window at the dark road before him. Out of words and ready to rest, I reply, “What do you want me to say?” “Anything! I need you to keep me awake,”...

A Prayer and a Purpose

"Lord, give us clarity and direction for the next step. We want more of you and less of us." Sitting silently around the kitchen table, Cari and I wait for an answer. This prayer is uttered from our mouths regularly, as our hearts yearn to only go...

Hope in the Hard

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing," my husband quoted Psalm 23 as he dragged his tired body off the mattress. Up in the middle of the night for the third time to care for our sick son, he whispered as he trudged across the...

Do You Need Permission Today?

"I know you're juggling a lot, but Rosemary, it's okay to let some of the balls drop." My hands trembled and my eyes began to water as my friend of twenty-plus years continued. "Take care of the glass balls, like your kids, spouse, and work, but let...

Do Something for YOU Today

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I quickly turned from the teenagers at the table and shuffled to my room. No one was to blame, but me.  Shutting the door behind me, I fell onto the bed and let the tears fall. A harmless, off-handed remark released the...

Who is Setting the Standard?

Over the last few months, we've been sharing tips for how to navigate seasons of challenge by living intentionally and focusing eternally.  So far, we've shared the following. If you missed one, click the links to read more. Tip#1 - Say the Struggle Tip #2 - Take Your...