“There are moments when you will stand before your field of dreams, with calloused hands shoved into pockets, while not a single shoot bursts forth with life. Despite your best efforts. Despite your earnest prayers. Despite the exasperating impression t… instagr.am/p/CNuyQ9CBsKw/

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER: God, thank you for all the gifts, noticed and unnoticed, that you pour into our lives. Thank you for the roof over our heads, the ground beneath our feet, the people beside us. Thank you for opportunities granted, prayers answered, and breaths given. Amen.

I want to be the kind of woman who, even at my lowest: * refuses to allow circumstances to dictate my life or my praise. * understands that God’s love is above anything that can happen to me or the people I love. * knows that God is worthy of praise, always.

You are never as powerful as that moment when you fall to your knees in prayer. The Holy Spirit is doing some heavy-lifting on your behalf, right now, interceding for you. When you are on your face, He’s got your back.

The Election May Be Over, But May Our Important Relationships Move Ever Onward incourage.me/2024/11/the-ele… via @incourage

It’s okay to: change your mind make a mistake forgive yourself leave it behind start over tomorrow. It’s also okay to: ask for help say no take a break walk away stand up for yourself. What would you add to this list?

When we are at our lowest, we all need someone to remind us that what we learned about God on the mountaintop is still true in the valley. Today, I want to be that kind of friend to you. Read more at @Proverbs31org: proverbs31.org/read/devotion…

I'm at a women's retreat in Ohio this weekend with writers and artists. In a culture that values conformity, one of our instructors @annkroeker gave us marvelously subvervise advice: Express your weird. Can I tell you how freeing that is, for a self-p… instagr.am/p/Cp7mAVEuERR/

I am walking through a prayer labyrinth, first time in my life. I wouldn’t have a clue what to do, but our leader says not to overthink it. This wasn’t a maze to conquer but a way to walk. She says I shouldn’t be surprised when the path, circling inward… instagr.am/p/Cp5KAwgLAR-/

I’m in Ohio, in a hotel exercise room, with a sturdy D-ring binder in my hand. Inside the binder, are talks I will be delivering at a retreat this week. In preparation, I practice my messages by walking them out on the treadmill. (Hi, I’m old-fashioned… instagr.am/p/Cpz8Oa8MhUV/

I don’t remember a winter quite like the one we’ve had this year. The ground is so white outside the kitchen window, that sometimes I feel the need to wear sunglasses when peering through the glass. This winter has been one for the record books. Ov… instagr.am/p/Cpu6AJXM8ap/

Sometimes, you grow slow by growing LOW. Fruit grows in the valley, after all. instagr.am/p/CppwYQQromy/

Last week, some of my besties and I went to a class where we made pottery on a wheel. Our teacher gave us instructions, and he made it sound easy. Before I sat at my wheel, I scanned the shelves, looking for inspiration. A gorgeous fluted bowl caught m… instagr.am/p/Cpko31NrV9_/

I used to drive all over the Midwest as a news reporter, asking questions so I could write my breaking-news stories. I was pretty good at it, and even got the nickname “Scoop Dukes” for my front-page scoops. 🤓 But as much as I loved asking OTHER peo… instagr.am/p/CpiEjBKL0ai/

For years, I have been awed by the way that Crystal Paine (aka @themoneysavingmom) managed her time. I’d watch her on social media, juggling it all – work, a growing family, a vibrant faith life, exercise, friendships, reading. And I was, like, WHO… instagr.am/p/CpfX6cILP-i/

Today is a big day for me. The launch of Stuff I'd Only Tell God is beginning now! 🧡 The journal releases May 2, but there are tons of things happening behind the scenes to introduce this little orange book to the world. That's where you come in. … instagr.am/p/CpSlqPprJsE/

She took her first steps at the back of a church. She’d gotten antsy in the seats, and that’s why I took her to the back. I set her down on her little feet, and she gripped each of my forefingers in her tiny fists. We walked that way for a while, and t… instagr.am/p/CpQCTi8MffW/

Confession: I have a long history of wanting people to like me. I know I am not the only one. You’re not the only one either. We know better. We know our worth isn’t defined by flawless skin, narrow waists, report cards, and the approval that my Inst… instagr.am/p/CpK5AjBLHly/

I sit at a desk in a house that isn’t mine, scribbling notes, giddy over the creative process. I’m in a charming airbnb, with creaky floors and doorknobs that remind me of the house I grew up.l in. And then a thought creeps in like a thief: “You’re pay… instagr.am/p/CpIkp_tpYhF/