She Who Has Believed

A Different Kind of Summer: How a Step of Faith Changed Everything (Guest Post for (in)courage.me)

It’s summer time! It’s the season that children, teachers, and many others look forward to each year, waiting patiently for that last school bell to ring and the taste of sweet freedom. Though I’m not a hot weather person, there are so many things I do love about summer:

Visiting a friend’s pool for fun and refreshment…

Going to a local ice cream parlor for a yummy treat…

Slipping on flip flops instead of determining which footwear will be warmest…

The smell of delicious food on the grill…

Summer nights sitting on the porch as the sun sets…Continue reading “A Different Kind of Summer: How a Step of Faith Changed Everything (Guest Post for (in)courage.me)”

To the Older Mom, with a Young Child, Who Feels Left Out

Maybe, like me, you didn’t find “the one” until you were a little older than most.

Maybe you struggled with infertility for years before having a baby or adopting.

Maybe you had a surprise baby after your other children were older.

Whatever the reason, I know. I’m there, too.Continue reading “To the Older Mom, with a Young Child, Who Feels Left Out”

Let God Out of That Box!

Many years ago when I was in college, I worked at a Christian bookstore in the customer service department. Our duties in that department included imprinting names on Bibles, managing items that people had special ordered, and wrapping gifts. I became a master gift-wrapper. In fact, I’m pretty picky even now about how gifts look when I wrap them. I like things to be wrapped up in a neat, perfect little box.

I’ve recently realized that this obsession leaks into other areas of my life, too.Continue reading “Let God Out of That Box!”

Three Lessons from My Preschool Son

It was 9:44 pm on a Thursday night and after more than 18 hours of labor that ended in an emergency c-section, I was so exhausted that I had to ask my husband to talk to me to keep me awake for the blessed event.

And then I heard it.

The sweetest cry rang through that operating room.

He was finally here.Continue reading “Three Lessons from My Preschool Son”

The Jesus Command Most Christians Are Ignoring

As a Christian, I am often a failure. I do okay with keeping the “Top Ten” in Exodus. And most of the time I love my neighbor like a good Christian should. But there is one command in the Bible that I stink at keeping. To be honest, I think most Christians stink at this one.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” – Matthew 28:19a

Honestly, this one kind of makes me want to run and hide. Witnessing? Sharing my faith? That one is hard. Isn’t it?Continue reading “The Jesus Command Most Christians Are Ignoring”

Why I Need to Live in the Past

Transparency moment: Last week was rough. And I did not handle it very well. Isn’t it crazy how the smallest annoyance can ruin your whole day if you let it? And heaven forbid if there are multiple annoyances in the day. I’ve found myself complaining. A lot. And most frequently, it seems, about things that don’t matter in the long run. I’m glad that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning. Because I know I’ve exhausted all the mercies in every day this past week.

I’m finding myself more stressed about finances, family, and any other number of things that just seemed to go wrong lately. My knee hurts and isn’t fully functional. My son has been a special handful. I question my usefulness these days.Continue reading “Why I Need to Live in the Past”

Unsinkable Faith Review: Positive Thought Life Buoys our Faith [Book Giveaway Link]

It’s no secret to anyone who has read my blog much at all that my faith has been tested the last few months. The opportunity to read Tracie Miles‘ new book, Unsinkable Faith, could not have come at a better time for me!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

The thing I love most about Tracie’s book is how she consistently points out the power we have, through Christ, of course, to take control of our thought life, and how taking control of negative thoughts affects our faith for the better. If you are struggling with your faith, or know someone who is, this book is especially beneficial. But quite honestly, all of us struggle on a pretty consistent basis, even on a small scale, with keeping our faith strong.Continue reading “Unsinkable Faith Review: Positive Thought Life Buoys our Faith [Book Giveaway Link]”

Summer of Saving: Five Free Activities to Keep Kids Busy

Summer is in full swing at our house! It’s a different summer for me because the season hasn’t really been any different than other times of the year since back when I was a teacher (many years ago). This summer, however, is my first summer home with my sweet boy, and we are trying to make the most of it.

It’s been so incredibly busy! As a new SAHM I never realized I would be so much busier than when I had a full-time job outside the home. (How did I have time for that?) Kudos to those who’ve been at it a lot longer than me!

Now that we are down to one full-time income (plus a little from smaller jobs), I’ve had to come up with activities that keep my active little guy busy but don’t break the bank. We’ve splurged on a few activities that cost a little money, but some of our favorite things we’ve done together so far have not cost a dime.Continue reading “Summer of Saving: Five Free Activities to Keep Kids Busy”

Wandering in the Desert: Three Truths for a Season of Disappointment

“Those crazy Israelites! They saw God rescue them from Egypt via ten plagues and part the Red Sea yet they still complain! What does it take for them to believe?!”

I said this to myself as I was studying for a lesson I was teaching in my Bible Fellowship class Sunday morning.

Fast forward just a mere half hour or so…

“I can’t do all this. I can’t work at home and look for work at home and take care of my son and take care of my house and sing in the choir and teach Bible Fellowship. I just can’t do it all! What is going on, God? Why have you brought me to this place and just abandoned me?”

Ahem… Hi, Pot! Meet Kettle.Continue reading “Wandering in the Desert: Three Truths for a Season of Disappointment”

For the NOT Grammar Nerd: Grammarly Tool

Confession time: I am a grammar nerd. And more than that, I am a proud grammar nerd. Sometimes it’s out of control to the point that I wish I could go through and correct grammar on social media. I once called a business to let them know that there was a misspelled word on the sign in front of their store. I’ve even considered vandalism on messed up signs. Seriously, it’s that bad.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I received a small compensation for my honest review.

Continue reading “For the NOT Grammar Nerd: Grammarly Tool”