Life

Goodbye, 2016! Oh my, this year was a crazy one for me, but I can say with all honesty that it was the best one yet. I learned a lot. I was stretched a lot. And my faith is stronger than yesterday for sure. I am really excited for this new year, and I fully believe it is going to …

As the election season rapidly winds down, the political atmosphere continues to heat up as each side tries to clench the top spot. There’s a seemingly endless barrage of mud-slinging and name-calling that is driving a wedge deep within our nation. The words and sentiment of our Pledge of Allegiance sound more like wishful thinking instead of declarations of our …

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year. There is something so magical about the leaves slowly changing from green to fire, the wonderful smell of cinnamon as you enter most stores, the soft embrace of your favorite sweater on a chilly day, and of course that life-changing first sip of a pumpkin spice latte. There is a newness, a …

I hear it all the time. “It’s a waste of time and money to travel to a far-off country to do missions projects.” “We will do more harm than good if we drop into a place for two weeks, feed the homeless and love on the orphans, then leave again.” “It’s better to stay in our own community to serve …

I remember how shocked I was to hear that my mom had started smoking at the ripe old age of 13. “That was back before we knew how bad it was,” she explained, “Nowadays we know better.” I think the same is true for nutrition. We’re bombarded with information on how to get well — what to eat, what not …

For my single girls this summer: This is your summer friend. Enjoy every minute of it. I want you to live it to the fullest. I want you to draw nearer to the Lover of your soul. I want you to find beauty in the ordinary. I want you to try something new. I want you to be bold. I …

I feel like everyone, both single and married, can easily struggle with saying no. My independent and self-sufficient nature (or attempts at such) have made me into someone who struggles with saying no, even when I know I should. Either out of the fear of letting someone down or the honest belief that I’m superhuman, I take on almost anything …

I began making my own dressings when I realized how easy they are to whip up and how much better they taste! Sometimes I enjoy a simple balsamic vinaigrette, and other times a creamy dressing is best. Use these simple rules to help you dress-up your next salad. Simple rule of thumb when making a dressing: 2 parts oil (or …

As I write this, I’m thinking about peanut butter toast. I salivate with each word, as if each one is melting in my mouth. Peanut … Butter… Toast … Glorious! Immediately, my brain produces five convincing reasons to put down the laptop and go make peanut butter toast. Let the battle begin with my diet. Most of us know this …