A Lesson on Praying for Our Children
I was in my 40s when my grandmother, Jewel, died in her mid-90s. One of my strongest childhood memories was sleeping in the extra twin bed in her room and hearing her pray aloud for each family member by name before she went to sleep.
Beholding the Beautiful in the Brokenness
Sometimes the very thing our souls most need is to stop in the middle of the brokenness and dwell on a thing of beauty. To be reminded that for all that is wrong and broken in the world, there is also beauty and light and life.
Lord, Have Mercy
A constant prayer for these hard and heavy days. Have mercy on us, O Lord. Have mercy.
The Simple Rhythm that Gives Me Peace
It's easy to taste and see the goodness of God out there on my back porch every morning. After a spring that was far busier than I expected or planned for, believe me when I say that I'm appreciating the gift of slowing down for a while.
What's so good about Good Friday?
It's a contradiction, really, to speak of Good Friday as good. It is, after all, the day that Jesus died, and we don't usually think of death as a good thing. When's the last time you saw someone jumping for joy after a loved one died? Probably never.
The Cross Finds You
Given the option between a life of ease and a life of suffering, I'll take the the easy road every time. Yes please to the good life. Hard pass on the hardship. But Jesus isn't like me. He knew what was to come, and he walked toward it with eyes and arms wide open.
The Best Kind of Partnership
Most of our stockists are small local businesses committed to meeting needs and serving their people well. They have big hearts and great style, and we're grateful for each and every one of them.
A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine
Here lately, every time I hear the familiar chords of an old hymn at church, tears prick my eyes, and it's a real struggle not to ugly cry in the middle of the sanctuary. It's the darnedest thing. Given the sidelong glances she gives me every time it happens, I'm pretty sure that our youngest daughter is seriously worried about me.
Six Years Later
At the end of the day, no matter how many journals we sell, I'm so, so grateful that I get to do this work. It's a joy and privilege that I don't take for granted. Helping people cultivate faithful habits makes my heart happier than you could ever imagine.
All Things New
As we leave 2020 behind, know that this promise, written long before the coronavirus entered our world, still stands. It is just as trustworthy and true now as it was then.
The Light Shines in the Darkness
Jesus called himself the Light of the World, and it is his light that we cling to when the darkness presses close.
A Different Kind of Thanksgiving
Today, I'm choosing to name the good and give thanks for the many blessings of 2020. Though it has been hard, it hasn't been all bad. Not by a long shot.