Old and new books of all kinds have made my life rich in countless ways.It can’t be overstated how much the wide variety of people, experiences, and subjects has expanded my understanding; supported and grown me. So, I thought I’d share some favorites from this year. Not all were published this year, but a few […]
2024 Plans: Just More Quiet Rebellion
Before I explain what I mean by quiet rebellion, I thought I’d share some reflections on the year— the highlights and the lowlights.. even the worst. I’ll start with the hard stuff so I can chase it with what’s good. So, I thought me & Dwight might divorce a few times this year. Just a […]
Being All I Can Be: A Declaration of Independence In Jesus Christ
When I was a little girl in Sunday school, a favorite children’s song went like this— I may never march in the infantry Ride in the cavalry Shoot the artillery I may never fly o’er the enemy But I’m in the Lord’s Army Yes Sir! As we sung, we stomped in place; held onto pretend […]
My Focus For 2023…
I couldn’t nail down a single word for the year to focus on; it’s more of a philosophy — a way of life: easy, organic, natural, seasonal. In other words, I want a free-range life. I don’t want pressure from a world bent on pushing us toward unnatural growth and production— systematizing, mechanizing, mass-producing, bigger, […]
A Letter To My Sons About Honor
Dear Sonny & Samuel, As I consider all that you need for your future, honor is at the top of the list. As a Christian, you’ll hear again and again that you are to honor your father and mother. That command comes with a promise of blessing and long life, but to carry it out you need […]
Growing Strong Through Weakness
When our boys were little, I heard “Look at me!” and “Watch this!” all day, every day. I so enjoyed my front row seat to The Sonny & Samuel Show — watching their excitement to be growing stronger and more independent by the minute. They climbed trees as high as they could go and proudly perched right […]
Strong Mothers ~ Strong Children
My labor pains grew so intense, so quick that what had been a calm and steady pace gathering necessities for the hospital suddenly became a panicked frenzy. At least — I — was panicked and frenzied. My husband, Dwight, just looked dazed and confused. Poor guy. It was zero dark-thirty and February cold, but I needed him […]
Growing Strong Through Your Story
Near the end of 2013, I was 39 years old and fighting for my life every moment of every day. It would’ve been easier to recover if it were my physical body mangled in some accident, but it was the deepest, unseen parts of me that were crushed. There’s no way I could have survived and […]
3 Habits To Grow Strong Inside & Out
On a scale from 1 to 10, my need for order is way off the chart — somewhere in the freakish range, so I LOVE systems, schedules, programs, apps and basically any tool that helps me achieve goals and manage a multitude of responsibilities. Some kinda plan for ALL the things keeps me sane, productive and HAPPY! […]
My Word For 2018: Strong
My one word for 2017 has been “enjoy” and enjoy I did — little things, big things and in-between things, but mostly enjoying the people I do those things with. I’ve got no intention of leaving enjoyment behind. I’m taking it with me from here on out. I know there’ll be sorrow, trouble and struggle in 2018 […]
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