It's really easy to make decisions based on our backstory (who we were in the past). We have clear, often recent, evidence of what worked--or didn't work--for us and what we were capable of. 

The problem with that, though, is there isn't room for much growth. Maybe we try to do a little better than w...

I spent some time at the ER this morning, getting tested and scanned because of a breathing issue I'm having (happy news is they ruled out all of the scary stuff and determined that it's just inflammation. <wipes brow with relief>).

Knowing how these visits can go, I brought a book along with me tha...

Have you ever heard of a people-pleasing fitness trainer? I haven't.

Fitness trainers are supposed to push you to do things you're not strong enough for. They expect you to be uncomfortable because that's where you'll grow. 

They are basically getting paid to (temporarily) hurt people.

What if there wa...

I'm working on a project right now that's requiring a lot of faith. It's the heaviest lift (motherhood aside) I've done so far, which is also bringing some stunning miracles to witness. Because of the heavy lifting, sometimes my brain and my spirit get tired and I hear thoughts like, "Who do you thi...

Determination is the fuel that takes us from the unknown into possibility, and children seem to have it in concentrated form (the metaphorical equivalent of rocket fuel).

Watching our kids start with a desire then go for it with determination is absolutely inspiring. Whether it's learning to ride a ...

Hide and Seek is one of the favorite games at our house. The person who is "it" waits downstairs, counts to 30, and then yells at the top of their lungs, "READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!" They then hunt the corners and closets around the house, looking for the rest of the family (everyone dreads being "i...

Our 6-year old daughter spent hours this weekend making "coloring books" (outline drawings on copy paper, bound by a row of staples) to sell door-to-door to neighbors and friends. She was so full of enthusiasm about it, I couldn't help but smile watching her. 

She was working on some more books this ...

As children of God, every of us is called to something bigger. And not just once! Again and again, building on each development from before. We are here to build strength and make progress as we exercise our power to choose and to create.

"Something bigger" doesn't always look like more, or flashier,...

Yesterday I had a random idea to reach out to a friend and invite her to go walking with me while our kids were at their youth activities at church. Immediately following the idea, a wave of excuses and doubts flowed in:

• She probably already has other plans.
• She's going to think it's a lame idea...

One of my favorite movies of all time is My Fair Lady, starring Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle. I've remember watching it with my mom as a little girl, singing and dancing along to "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?". And that stunning scene of her in the dress at the top of the steps before the ball....🤩 ...

Today is my beautiful mama's birthday! She's not here to celebrate in person (graduated early from this life when I was 7), but we love thinking about her extra today and remembering all of the light and goodness she brought while she was here.

Mom passed away at age 33. I don't know very many people...

We can dream and discuss the roadtrip for years, planning to the finest detail the snacks, the pit stops, and the sites along the way...but won't actually happen until we get in the car and GO.

Crossing the bridge from "going to" to "on the move" is the hardest part. Once the car is packed and you're...