We’ve celebrated enough anniversaries to know how we like to celebrate anniversaries. Like many great lessons in life, we learned this one the hard way. For the life of me I can’t remember how we celebrated any of our anniversaries for the first ten years of marriage. I think there were some flowers and cards…
Life Unexpected
I didn’t sign up for this, I thought to myself. I was sure I knew what it would be like, look like, feel like. I was wrong. If I had known I might have made a different choice. Played it safe. Stayed home. But I would have missed so much. That 5k. It was the…
Rocket City Marathon 2015
Huntsville, Alabama is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions and lots of ways to celebrate the Christmas season. We were there recently to cheer for our favorite runner in the Rocket City Marathon. The night before the race, Maddie, Caleb and I enjoyed the Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Park since it was just…
For Unhappy Holidays
I finish my eggs and bacon and stare at the mess in the kitchen. It reminds me of the mess in my heart. The UnHappy Holiday This was our first Thanksgiving without parents or grandparents. We’ve been sorting through a lifetime of memories and it made this Happy Holiday seem like just another day and…
Maddie’s Senior Pics
To say our lives have changed drastically this year would be an understatement. We’ve said good-bye to his father and mine, our first-born married his one true love, Anna graduated high school and has began her college adventure, and we’re teaching our youngest how to drive. I am tired and tearful at times. But thankful…
A Prayer for Parents Through Every Stage of the Journey
Parenting is hard work. It takes every ounce of physical and emotional energy I can muster and most days I come up short. I’m twenty-one years into this bittersweet parenting journey and once again I’m reminded that coming up short is the very place where His grace and mercy meet my deepest need. The day…
Marriage Monday ~ Where We Talk About Our Sin
Husbands and wives, responding to sin with sin is toxic to your marriage. Tweet this The reason that marriage is so painful and yet wonderful is because it is a reflection of the gospel, which is painful and wonderful at once. The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves…
For When You Want Her To Fly
“I’ll make her fly,” I said. “I was made for this.” Then I thought, “I’ll teach her to fly.” “Five easy steps and she’ll be on her way.” Finally, I decided, “I’ll show her how to fly.” “Just watch me and you’ll know the way.” But she didn’t fly. How could she fly with no…
Marriage Monday ~ How to Deal with the Baggage
If you’ve traveled recently, then you probably know that too much baggage can cost you. In a marriage relationship, the price might be even higher; but, it doesn’t have spoil the journey. We all have baggage. It’s part of being human. This week’s recommended resource: Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us…
Marriage Monday ~ The Two Shall Be One
What did God intend when he said in Genesis 2:24, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh”? Was He simply referring to the marriage ceremony when a man and woman are pronounced husband and wife? Let’s take a…
Why I Don’t Quit
Quitting is easy. Except when it comes to sugar. Impossible I tell you. I’ve tried (sort of) with little success. I’m not sorry though especially since Maddie just made homemade Blueberry Pie Bars. Quitting is easy. I’ve quit plenty of times in my life. Recently, I told you Why I Quit {and why you should,…
A Dog in the House
I love dogs. I’ve always had a dog. (Except when we lived in a tiny apartment in New Orleans. ) My dogs live outside where dogs are free to run and play and sleep and poop. Dogs are happy outside. I said I’d never have a dog in the house. Never. Never ever. Then this…
For When God Redecorates The Heart
I really enjoy reading blogs dedicated to DIY home décor/design. I’ve learned so much and have been inspired to make my home a beautiful haven for my family. But I’m not a DIY home décor/design blogger. I’m a faith blogger. I feel certain you don’t come here to learn how to decorate. Which leads me…
Father’s Day 2015 ~ The sunniest day of the year?
I look out my window this Father’s Day and wonder if today will, in fact, be “the sunniest day of the year.” June 21, 2015 is Father’s Day and the Summer Solstice. Those two celebrations don’t coincide very often. Add the fact that Eric said goodbye to his father in April and I to mine…
A Beautiful {Thrifty} Wedding
My firstborn tied the knot recently and it was a beautiful wedding day. I’ve already posted a few pics from Jon & Molly’s wedding but I wanted to share a bit more about some of the thrifty wedding details. After a sweet ceremony under a old oak tree we walked into a beautiful barn where…
Jon & Molly’s Wedding
Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale. Unknown Author Wedding party photos were made before the wedding. Then we watched from a distance as the bride and groom see each other for the first time. Time for the ceremony arrives and we make…
Jon & Molly’s Wedding Rehearsal
The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. Frank Lloyd Wright A special bouquet for the wedding rehearsal made by Molly’s cousin and Maid of Honor, Paige. (She’s in the background taking a photo.) Lorelei, Molly’s little sister, presents the ribbon bouquet as Pepaw, Molly’s grandad, and Maddie enjoy the moment. Before the rehearsal…
When Being a Stay at Home Mom Doesn’t Seem Like Enough
There are times as a stay at home mom when I think: “What I’m doing isn’t enough”. Mothering and homemaking is hard work that can be all-consuming and very gratifying; but a quick scroll on social media or a stroll through the mall can leave our soul wondering. For many years, I was in full-time…
On Becoming a Mother-in-Law
She’s been called a monster and movies have been made about her. You know one, you may have one, and chances are (if you’re a woman) you’ll be one some day–the mother-in-law. In just 55 short days I’ll add this title to my list. I’m sharing my thoughts on the subject over at More to…
The Secret to Joy and a New Favorite Recipe
Newsflash: My life is far from perfect. Everything is not going as I had planned. People are not behaving as I would like them to. Can you relate? I know you can. But I am digging my heels into the muddy mess of life and setting my heart on gratitude. The Thief will not…