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I love to go for walks in nature. I am not a runner, I prefer a faster paced walk. I joke that I want to be a power walker when I am older. I actually really do. I just need to work on my form more. Sometimes I take my two miniature dachshunds with me for a little adventure. When they know we are going for a walk, they get so excited to get there. Once we are there, they are right at the door and window, trying to hop out as soon as I open the door. Rocky and Eevee on a Walk

Back in January, I was reading the book of Matthew when God gave me a visual I want to share with you. Think about your favorite tea or coffee mug—the one you can’t get rid of. Maybe it’s like mine: it looks great on the outside, but on the inside it has stains and even a few cracks. That cup is a lot like us. When the outside looks fine Sometimes we try to fill our lives with all the “right” things: going to church on Sundays joining a group volunteering listening to worship

For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted a large window over my kitchen sink with a beautiful view outside. When we did a showing at our current house, I was so excited when I saw the kitchen window overlooking the yard. I could imagine seeing my kids playing outside as I cooked dinner. When part of your view is watching you. This is Gates. I had no idea the views that I would see out that window. When I look out the window I see the blue jays and cardinals fly from

Jan 1st brings about a blank page in our book, a new chapter if you will. It's a chance to rewrite some of our story -- or is it? Maybe it's an opportunity to make our story even better! Are you someone that sets resolutions, creates a vision board or maybe has a word you focus on for the year? Maybe you don't do any of these. Last year I had a word that I focused on and it really was something that I worked to live out throughout the year. It guided my decisions and helped

As Christmas quickly approaches, I am beginning to reflect on the different parts of the season.  Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of Christmas traditions. We always went to both of my grandmothers' houses on Christmas Day. We would string popcorn and wrap it around the tree as garland. One thing I really enjoyed as a kid was getting to open a Christmas gift on Christmas Eve. We didn’t have much money, but there was something exciting about opening one gift early. Even thou

I don’t know about you, but I have been one of those people who set high expectations for how I think the Christmas season will go. I picture all the things that I plan going perfectly—kind of like a TV movie. My husband laughs at me and tells me that my expectations are set too high. And don’t tell him that I said this, but he is right.  At Christmas, I picture the smiles and laughter as we drive around seeing Christmas lights while drinking hot chocolate. Everyone is in a

When I was still teaching, I remember praying constantly for the Lord to provide me with a teaching job at a different school than the one I was at. This was during a time when teaching was a highly regarded profession, and there were few job opportunities available. The available ones, you basically had to know someone. It was a very tough work environment. I would cry regularly, and many times I didn’t want to go to work. I was at that same school for seven years. I inter

I was talking to one of my friends a while back. She’s had a deep desire that God hasn’t fulfilled, and it's left her feeling like He isn’t coming through for her. At first, I didn’t know exactly what to say to her. So I thought about what she would say to me. The truth is, she would tell me that God would come through for me, and she would believe it wholeheartedly. However, she doesn’t seem to believe it for herself. Our conversation made me realize that I have felt the s

The Pain of Migraines I can still remember one of those really tough days. The room was dark and I was all alone. I could hear my children playing outside the room with their dad. The pain I felt was so severe that tears run down the side of my face as I laid in bed. During those long and painful days, I would scream out in my mind, asking God to make the pain go away. Why did it have to hurt so badly? Why wasn't it going away? Did He hear me? Those were some of my thoughts

Hello hello! I hope you are enjoying your tea... or coffee. Have you ever felt God calling you to do something, and you really didn’t...

I was walking outside with my dogs the other day when we came across a bird that had injured its wing. The poor little bird was just...

I was sick last week, which if you know me is not something that happens very often. Of course, my brother that doesn’t live near me...

Well. ....it sure has been a little bit since I've posted on the blog. I had plans to write one blog entry per week all summer, but as...

Do you have a favorite tool you use? If you were to ask my youngest, I’m pretty sure he would say tape. He uses tape for all his...

I hope you have your tea or coffee today! I love to have my tea first thing in the morning, during the summer, before my kids get up for...

As moms, it feels like interruptions are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Whether we’re making dinner, folding laundry, or even...

A Friend for Everything Do you have one of those friends that is your go-to for everything? I do, and she's one of my best friends....

Recently I’ve been studying the book of Isaiah. I find the more I read the Bible the more I want to read and know. I want to understand...

A few weeks ago, I met a friend for breakfast. She had just had a baby, and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to bless her...

Our kids are capable of so much more than we sometimes realize. My children constantly surprise me with what they can do and what they...