My father grew up in the little farm town of Washington, Illinois just outside Peoria. He spent his childhood playing cowboys and setting off firecrackers down by the creek, walking to school (uphill both ways in the snow, according to him, but that’s another story…) and worshiping at Grace Presbyterian. He loved his town, and we went … More Jesus is in the Boat * 10 Minute Devotional
I love date night. From my first days with Daryl, I looked forward to catching up on life. I lived for our occasional road trips together because they meant hours to just hang out with my very favorite person. When we got married, we kept the date nights going. Every couple of weeks or so we’d head … More 10 Questions for Date Night
I can be a complainer. Most of us can, if we’re honest. It’s too hot out today. I can’t believe the waiter got my dinner order wrong. I definitely didn’t need to get a cold this week. Why can’t my husband ever remember when it’s trash day? Oh great, it’s allergy season again. It’s often easier to … More A Broken Washer and Other Lessons in Gratitude
Matthew 28:16-20 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all … More This is a Football * 10 Minute Devotional
[Newbornlandia, week six. In which my eyes no longer open all the way because: TIRED.] A couple of weeks ago my husband preached a sermon on humility. It was one of his best (ironic, I know, being that it was on humility – you can find it here if you’re interested). Sitting in the congregation that Sunday I … More Saying Yes and Other Lessons in Humility
I’m currently on parental leave from my position as an associate pastor. Our church has been incredibly supportive of our growing family. Not everyone is so blessed. Parental leave is a sticky wicket in America. It shouldn’t be, but it is. From my own ongoing personal experience, here are 10 Reasons Parental Leave is Necessary. 10. Yesterday … More 10 Reasons Parental Leave is Necessary
Daily devotions don’t always stick. Quiet times are hard. I know I’m not the only one who has started a new time-alone-with-God program only to have it fizzle in a month (or a week, or a day…). Ever since we welcomed our first son in 2012, I’ve found devotions to be even more of a challenge. There are … More Shame & Transformation * 10 Minute Devotional
At the ripe old age of 33, I’ve been to more funerals than most my age. Some I’ve attended as a friend or family member, but most I’ve officiated at as a pastor. Each one has been as unique as the person who died, each has been an honor, and each has had its own lessons … More 10 Lessons from Funerals
Today’s writing prompt from my friends over at For the Love of Writing is “Ways I am Nailing Motherhood.” Even the prompt made me laugh because: I am so not nailing this. The last thing I nailed was the giraffe print above when I finished the baby’s closet/nursery. I took a hammer and I nailed it. Other than … More Ways I am Nailing Motherhood
I’ve been thinking a lot about help lately. Since the birth of our second son, we have had loads of help. My mom stayed with us for three weeks. Late one night Wilson cried for a couple of hours and refused to be soothed by all the usual remedies. His tummy was full, his diaper was … More Top 10 Ways to Help a New Mom
Courtney Ellis 