Longing for a Silent Night

“I hate to feel this way about the holidays,” a friend recently said to me, “but I wish it was over.” I admit to struggling with this tension too. Sometimes, … Continue reading Longing for a Silent Night

What Do We Do When Life Falls Apart? The Psalms Show Us the Way

This isn’t how it is supposed to be. The morning after I moved my daughter, Meghan, out of her first apartment and back home, this was the only thought I … Continue reading What Do We Do When Life Falls Apart? The Psalms Show Us the Way

A Roadmap to Peace When You Are Afraid

Our world has gone crazy with fear. This week, I was thinking about the youth at my church and how this time must be really overwhelming for them. So, I … Continue reading A Roadmap to Peace When You Are Afraid

A Bedtime Story For An Anxious World

The first possession I remember treasuring was a little red tricycle. I was very small when I received it, too small, in fact to work the pedals. I remember the … Continue reading A Bedtime Story For An Anxious World

The Mundane and the Monumental: Clinging to Easter on Monday Morning

This is a re-post of my Jesus Calling blog post, April 1, 2018. It feels especially appropriate today. I hope you are encouraged. Six days before Easter morning, I found … Continue reading The Mundane and the Monumental: Clinging to Easter on Monday Morning

#1 Life-Hack for Exhausted Moms

Faithful Daughter Author, Ami McConnel Guest Post! My beautiful, determined sixteen-year-old daughter Maddie recently got her driver’s license. Friends ask me if I’m worried. Truth is I might be—if I … Continue reading #1 Life-Hack for Exhausted Moms

What Is Lent, and Why Is It Worth My Time and Effort?

Lent is the 46-day penitential season between Ash Wednesday and Easter. It is a time to prepare our hearts anew for resurrection. If you didn’t grow up in a church … Continue reading What Is Lent, and Why Is It Worth My Time and Effort?

Ash Wednesday

“You Have Something On Your Forehead”- What is the Deal with Ash Wednesday?

Today is Ash Wednesday, a Holy Day of prayer that begins the season of Lent. If you, like me, didn’t grow up observing Ash Wednesday, here are a few things … Continue reading “You Have Something On Your Forehead”- What is the Deal with Ash Wednesday?

pancakes

Pass the Pancakes- It’s Shrove Tuesday!

Most of us have heard of Mardi Gras, but unless you are part of a liturgical tradition, you may not know Mardi Gras’s twin- Shrove Tuesday. What is Shrove Tuesday? … Continue reading Pass the Pancakes- It’s Shrove Tuesday!

Taming the Mama Bear

Some people think I am a laid back parent, but they are wrong. I am just worn out. “Mom, how did you get so chill?” My 19-year-old daughter asked me. … Continue reading Taming the Mama Bear

How Long, Lord? When Waiting is Hard Work

Waiting for God is hard work. Throughout my adult life I have spent long, painful seasons waiting for God to bring… Healing. Justice. Provision… Over and over, I have cried … Continue reading How Long, Lord? When Waiting is Hard Work

What the World Needs Now is Love, Love, Love

It is Valentine’s Day, and the world needs love… We need bigger love than roses, chocolates, or sentimental cards. Our world is aching for a love that forgives and heals, … Continue reading What the World Needs Now is Love, Love, Love