In a culture obsessed with maximizing time, it’s surprising how much of it we waste on worry.

Through a recent search, I learned that the average person spends over two hours a day worrying.  That’s 16 hours a week, 830 hours a year, and nearly 8 full years over the course of a lifetime. This is a sad, sobering statistic and a whole lot of wasted time!

The truth is worry is something everyone deals with, including believers…

Have you ever noticed how small words can have a big impact? They truly can. Words like but, also, and yet may seem insignificant, still they have the power to transform simple statements—shifting tone, deepening meaning, and conveying possibility.

For instance, someone might say, “This is hard.” But add one tiny word…

I’m a thinker by nature. This is mostly a “good thing”. Yet there are days I wish I could simply shut my thoughts off or at least put them on hold. Perhaps this describes you as well…

I’m currently in a season of overload, with many things I want—and need—to accomplish in a limited amount of time. What adds to my sense of “overload” is that I’ve mentally labeled some of my tasks as “hard.” Not necessarily because they are, but because…

Recently while hiking in Yellowstone, my husband and I found ourselves—quite literally—caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place when a massive bison greeted us on our designated trail. This was simultaneously awesome and scary…

When was the last time a few simple words completely changed your day, providing perspective and hope? The truth is, it’s the seemingly simple things we say…

To me, the most stellar of all God’s promises is His promise to be with us—and not just sometimes or occasionally, but always. This literally means…

My mail carrier, Lisa, is incredibly friendly. I see her when I’m walking in my neighborhood. We say hello–sometimes have a brief conversation, and that’s about it. So, do I really know her? The fact is…

Good habits don't just happen. Instead, they are established over time by repetition and consistency. This is true of every good habit, including the holy habit of prayer. And this became crystal clear to me…

Have you ever felt stuck, knowing where you want to be, but unsure as to how to get there?

I’m confident you answered “yes” as we all experience this at various seasons of our lives. And while it’s not uncommon, overtime the feeling of “stuckness” can become problematic. The truth is…

Are you an avid runner, either for sport or fitness? I’ve never been a runner myself, but I appreciate those who are. My daughter ran cross-country in high school, so I’m somewhat familiar with what it takes to be a runner. Runners embody focus, determination, and commitment. They run with the goal…

In response to the daily forecast, my husband is always quick to remind me that regardless of any predicted rain, there is also yet the chance for sunshine. 

What is he doing? He’s choosing to magnify what could be despite what seems likely.  And this is the power of our spoken yet…

Fearful is not a word I would use in describing myself. I say this as I embrace new experiences– welcome new challenges—feel comfortable with, and in front of crowds—and I’m not afraid to try something new. At the same time, I recognize I can easily morph from “confident, assured me” to …

I’m curious today what words best describe your waiting style. Are you patient and trusting, anxious and worried, angry and resentful, calm and peaceful, or perhaps some combination of these descriptions? I ask, as I’ve never heard anyone say they were particularly good at waiting, including myself. At the same time…

Recently, a young bride shared with me her hopes that her wedding day would be perfect. Of course, I understood this. All brides want their special day to go perfectly–it’s only natural.  At the same perfection is a mighty high standard, that quite frankly is unrealistic and unattainable.  

The truth is nothing in this world is perfect, nor are any of the people living in it–including us…

If we’re honest, I think we would all agree there are some things we don’t truly need, such as online streaming, Amazon Prime, Starbucks, and yes, even cell phones. While these are things we enjoy, making life more convenient, the truth is…

A favorite worship chorus of mine is Same God–perhaps you know it. I love this song as it acknowledges God as consistently the same, doing what He’s always done…

Have you ever felt the type of discouragement that leaves you with a lump in your throat, causing you to doubt yourself, your competency, or course of direction?   

I’m confident you have, as discouragement is common to all of us. 

At various seasons we all experience this feeling…

Like love, joy, or peace, freedom is a word that takes on different meanings based on personal interpretation. However, freedom is most understood as the right to choose and do as you please. And this is reasonable as both are freedoms. At the same time, I’m led to wonder…

My husband and I have been involved in two significant home renovations in our 40 plus years of marriage. If you’ve ever had this experience, you know it’s a massive, messy undertaking. Is it worth it? Despite the cost overruns, supply delivery delays, torn up flooring, filthy sinks and counters, and thick dust in truly every inch of our home, my husband and I would both say…