My older daughter, Lauren, left our home in California for college at the young age of 17, and since then has lived in Dallas, London, and now Washington D.C. We have never gone more than several months without seeing one another whether she makes a trip home or I fly to wherever in the world she is living. This is what happens when I visit my daughter: the time flies by, but we always make the most of every minute together. These three things always happen when I visit my daughter no matter where she is living: We are always on-the-go. We always include great food, often eating at a local favorite and never a chain restaurant. We always either attend a sporting event, a concert, or a museum (or sometimes all three!) *********** I recently flew to the nation's capital ... View Post

Welcome to my summer blog swap! During the month of July, I invited four of my blogger friends over to this space to share their stories. It is a fun way to introduce some of my favorite writers to all of you. My third guest is Dorina Gilmore from California. I know Dorina from Hope*Writers, and she's become a sweet friend. She is a widow and wrote a great post about ten ways you can honor the anniversary of your loved one's death. Dorina shares such practical tips that would benefit anyone who has lost a loved one.   It surprises me every year at this time. We are finally settling into a school routine and a fall activity rhythm. I’ve hit my stride with my creative work and the groups I’m leading are kicking off. Then out of nowhere, I start to get this slow ache deep in my ... View Post

"We need you and your raw story in the body of Christ." Lea Turner Welcome to my summer blog swap! During the month of July, I am inviting four of blogger friends over to this space to share their stories. It is a fun way to introduce some of my favorite writers to all of you. My second guest is Lea Turner from Mississippi. I know Lea from Hope*Writers, and it's a delight to share her words with you. She wrote a tender post about those who have been disappointed by the church. For Those Who Have Been Disappointed by the Church~ Dear Brave Soul, On behalf of the church as a fellow Believer, I just wanted to reach out and say I’m sorry.  Your pain and grief are seen, and I’m sorry we didn’t allow space and time for you to grieve your loss.  And I’m even more sorry we fill ... View Post

“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. “ Psalm 94:19 Welcome to my summer blog swap! Over the next four weeks, I am inviting four of blogger friends over to this space to share their stories. It is a fun way to introduce some of my favorite writers to all of you. My first guest is Tara Dickson from Tennessee. I met her last fall at a Hope*Writers retreat, and she is a real delight. We have met for coffee a few times since then because her children moved close by me here in California ☺ Today she is sharing about a common problem, anxiety. Here's how to empty your heart of anxiety~ Is that even possible? I know that sounds too good to be true! Am I an expert on this? That depends on how you look at it. I have had more than my fair share of ... View Post