Transparency

This evening, I went to a meeting where a missionary from South Africa shared his story and asked for help with a special project. I have heard him speak before and have followed him on social media for a while, so I had an idea of what he would be presenting. Surprisingly, I heard more than a compelling story and good reasons for why I should help with his project; he spoke to us about his struggles on the mission field, his disillusionment with church culture, and his journey back to loving God’s people. He did not sugar coat his READ MORE

22 Years and Counting

22 years ago, my husband, Chris, and I got married for all of the wrong reasons. We met at the beginning of my sophomore and Chris’ senior year in high school. He was a cute and lanky JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) drill team leader with lots of hormones and a sweet smile. I was a pretty, confused, and equally hormonal new student at our high school. It took a couple months for him to notice me, although I was smitten the first time I saw him. We started going steady and a few months later I got pregnant READ MORE

Time for Middle School

This week, my youngest child and only son started 6th grade. This makes me the mom of two adult children and two middle school students. Time is flying by so fast. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited for my children to grow up and become world changing adults, but I am in no rush. When our oldest entered middle school, I was unequipped to handle her hormone fluctuations, peer issues, child-parent struggles, and physical changes. It was a scary time, yet a great learning experience for our entire family. Now, three girls later, I still feel slightly unprepared to READ MORE

Transition

Transition – to make a change from one state, place, or condition to another Merriam-Webster Dictionary When you see the word transition, what comes to mind? Do you think of it as a positive experience or a negative one? For me, the word transition is a bit uncomfortable. Transition means that I have to move out of my comfort zone. It means a new struggle, and it means I am leaving behind a familiar identity. Recently, during a conversation with a trusted mentor, I realized that I am going through a season of transitions. It is not a transition in READ MORE

My Husband, My Hero

Recently, my husband, Chris, and I started watching a show on Netflix called Fixer Upper. On the show, Chip and Joanna Gaines transform rundown properties into gorgeous homes, for couples that want to live in a nice neighborhood but are on a budget. Although we enjoy seeing the renovations to each home, our favorite part is watching Chip and Joanna interact with one another. They are a fun couple who seem to genuinely love each other and enjoy working together. Last night after my husband fell asleep, I decided to watch another episode of the show. Chip and Joanna were READ MORE