seasons of life
Emotional Submission: Do You Say Yes When You Mean No?
Do you say yes when you mean no? Some spouses struggle with the problem of emotional submission. This is a different issue from spiritual submission. Spiritual submission is a positive act of voluntarily yielding in love. Emotional submission is a negative act of saying yes when you really mean no. Emotional submission is often driven by fear of rejection or displeasing someone. It results in a spouse giving in to things they inwardly find offensive, painful or sinful. Freedom from {Read More}
My {Un} Kind Home
It’s easy for me to show kindness to friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. It’s harder for me to show kindness to the people I live with day in and day out. It seems like my patience often runs thin—especially with my children. Constant arguing, fighting, and yelling—it all gets to me, and too often I react in unkind ways. Lately and not coincidentally—I’m sure, Colossians 3:21 has been on my mind: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children….” Chances are if {Read More}
holidays & occasions
My Mother-in-Law’s Legacy
“The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” That statement was in the flyleaf of my mother-in-law’s Bible. Many years ago I read it as I sat by her hospital bed in her den where Mom, at the age of 85, was dying. It was evident by numerous signs that the end was near. It was also the end of an era. Mom had been matriarch of the family, keeping track of {Read More}
From Here to Maternity
Do you ever hear an expression that reminds you of something your mother used to say? Do you find yourself using the same expressions—even the ones you swore you wouldn’t—with your own children? A mother’s words, whether because of wisdom or mere repetition, can become set in concrete in our minds. Mothers have an adage for every occasion. Meeting strangers: “Don’t talk to them or take anything from them.” Meals: “Eat everything on your plate. There are starving children in {Read More}
mentoring
Our Tongue Will Always Tell the Story
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” [Psalm 19:14] Someone once said “Sometimes I get the feeling the whole world is against me. But deep down I know that’s not true. Some of the smaller countries are neutral!” Comic relief in a world that spins, suffers, and survives through relationships. The fact is—we need each other! James, the brother of Jesus and a {Read More}
Oklahoma: When Tears Overflow
Some days have no words, just tears. Yesterday was one of those days. Families and cities devastated by Monday’s tornadoes through Oklahoma has left a nation in shock. We take comfort in knowing God is with each survivor. May His mercy, grace, and provision be tangible in the lives of those who have lost so much this week. As we watch stunned from miles away, we can help. Pray. Pray for safety, provision, healing, stamina for volunteers and rescue workers. {Read More}
homemaking
Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry season has begun! One of my favorite all-time salads is perfect with fresh, juicy strawberries paired with spinach. It’s simple to put together and would be marvelous for lunch or dinner. 1 bag of 50 / 50 salad mix (spring mix and baby spinach), ½ cup fresh blueberries, ½ cup sliced fresh strawberries, ½ cup chopped walnuts, blue cheese crumbles, any store-bought raspberry vinaigrette dressing (my favorite is Kraft’s Raspberry Hazelnut). Combine salad mix, berries, and walnuts. Sprinkle blue {Read More}
Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits
If you’re not from the South or have relatives from here, you may have not heard of chocolate and biscuits. It’s sweet, delicious, dangerous, and leaves chocoholics wanting more. A true Southern delicacy. Forget Nutella on croissants–this puts that to shame! Start breakfast off right by popping the biscuits in the oven to cook and start some sausage on the stove. Biscuits are best homemade, but I’ll let you in on a secret. Pillsbury’s Southern style buttermilk biscuits are easy {Read More}
