I'm so ready for fall, I can taste it. First, another book is due September 2nd and I'm racing to finish. It's been a difficult one to write. Mostly because it's been inside me for a long time and those are always hardest to get onto the page. But also because we've recently moved. Still in Nashville, just a different house. It's been a long and frustrating process—is moving ever fun, though, … [Read more...]
Trips near and far
Do you love the beach? I do, but not for laying out and baking. God did not gift me with the skin tone for that. Can you say burn and peel? But this past weekend, my daughter Kels and daughter-in-law Kellie—and LEO!—went to the beach. Kellie has skin that turns a deep golden brown (bless her!), so she while she laid out, Kels, Leo, and I joined her under a cabana one day, then the three of us … [Read more...]
Refreshment for the soul
God is so faithful to give us what we need exactly when we need it—including moments of refreshment and rejuvenation. He's given me so many in recent weeks, along with such incredible joy in his Word! I hope these moments will refresh you too. And get ready! Because, in turn, I'd love to know what's been refreshing your soul. First is KRISTI MCLELLAND'S message at church last Sunday … [Read more...]
Deepening your understanding of the Bible
For the past four plus years, I've been blessed to study the Bible with Kristi McLelland, a professor and biblical culturalist in Nashville—and a phenomenal teacher of the Word. Kristi has dedicated her life to teaching people how to study the Bible—and how to read it through a Middle Eastern lens. She's recommended some wonderful Biblical study resources that I'm eager to share with you. Plus … [Read more...]
Tangible Encouragements
"Take heart, daughter." "Take courage." "Don't be afraid." Jesus spoke these words to lost, searching, and hurting souls when he was here on earth, and he's still speaking them to us today. And aren't we grateful? Especially in these uncertain times. But while these may be uncertain times for us, they're not for him. Because, even now, he stands in the moment when you drew your first breath … [Read more...]