A few months ago I read Andrew Peterson’s book, Adorning the Dark. In this incredible work, Andrew describes the labor and intentionality of creativity and community. He describes his family’s decision to leave the city and move out to the country, putting down deep roots. He encourages the reader to be purposeful in settling down … More Give your house a name.
Last Spring I planted three Peony tubers, knowing it takes a few years to produce the flowers but also aware that the result would be glorious and worth the wait. Having had Peonies in our previous house, I thought I knew what to expect the first year: evidence of life, a few leaves, maybe little … More Joy in the Unexpected
A Life of Simple Joys hasn’t felt very joyful lately, and that’s ok. It’s real life. There is no joy in recognizing the reality of suffering in our most vulnerable populations, but there IS joy in seeing God move and seeing His people step in to the fight. There is great joy in looking into the eyes of a rescued survivor and seeing the light of redemption glowing within.I’m not going to completely stop writing about these hard things, but I will sprinkle hard truth with hope. … More Exposing Beauty
I took my dog for a walk this morning, noting the silver slug trails scribbled across the sidewalk. The light of dawn made them shimmer and become almost beautiful. For the first time in several weeks, I felt inspired to sit down and write. The flowers in the South are in full bloom, knockout roses … More Endings and beginnings.
It’s been a dream of mine for while, now, to get away to somewhere remote and just write. No noises. No distractions. Just for a couple of days. Because of the sweet generosity of my husband, who gifted me this very thing last Christmas, my bags are packed as I type. As soon as I … More Retreating
It’s an intense season. I’ve been immersed in all things “end of school” and barely have time to breathe, much less write. My firstborn graduates from high school in less than two weeks, which does not seem possible since he just started Kindergarten five minutes ago. But, alas, it’s true and we are about to … More Stopping to Smell the Roses
Our neck of the woods is so beautiful. Tennessee has hills and trees as far as the eye can see and winter’s dull landscape is quickly being replaced by the brightest, tiny green leaves you have ever seen. Spring is here. The last threats of frost seem to be past and the garden centers are … More Beautiful One
The enemy loves nothing more than to make us forget. No matter how intentional we are about collecting stones of remembrance, determining to hold closely the answered prayers and words spoken over us in the past, we are easily paralyzed by unwanted memories, fear and shame. Only by fixing our eyes on Jesus, choosing to … More Poetry: Remember!
We began today, though it doesn’t “officially” start until December first. But I know me, and I know us. Life happens, schedules get tight, and we struggle to finish what we start whether it be a devotional, project, or “school” book. I’ve purchased many advent devotionals over the years, bought every “memorable” ornament, tree, and … More A Simple Advent
Together, we are a coat of many colors gracing the broad shoulders of Jesus. … More The (G)race of Community
A Life of Simple Joys 
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