Last night, I sang a solo in church entitled "Be Born in Me". It's a haunting and beautifully composed set of lyrics woven around the thoughts that might have spun through young Mary's mind and heart as Gabriel revealed the news that God had chosen her to give birth to the long-awaited Messiah. Here is a portion of the lyrics: Everything inside me cries for order Everything inside me wants to hide Is this shadow an angel or a warrior? If God is pleased with me, why am I so terrified? Someone tell me I am only dreaming Somehow help…

There are so many traditions I adore about Christmas…hanging stockings over the fireplace, caroling, and reading Luke 2 as a family on Christmas Eve. Of course, the crazy thing about traditions is that growing up, we usually accept them and rarely question them until the habit becomes truth in our mind. As one person put it, “Tradition is peer pressure from dead people.” Imagine my surprise when I recently read through Luke 2 looking to learn more about the stable Jesus was born in. No stable was mentioned so I flipped to Matthew. No stable there either. I opened up…

I'm delighted to have Leanna Sain on the blog today. When I heard about the premise for Leanna's upcoming release, I was instantly intrigued. We cared for my grandmother for many years while she battled dementia so I easily connected to Leanna's heart. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do. Welcome, Leanna! We suspected it for months…maybe even years. It started as little things. Things Mama said or did… things she should remember, but didn’t… something not quite right; occasional at first, but growing in frequency. Now we knew, but knowing didn’t make it easier. Alzheimer’s. What…

"Ugh! Why'd you have to put dandelions in your story? I hate dandelions!" I've heard the sentiment several times from adults when they hear the title of my latest novel Where Dandelions Bloom. My only response is a smile and an internal snicker. Their attitude is the whole reason why I chose that resilient little flower for the story. Several springs ago, I was scrolling through social media, admiring everyone's plans for their lawns and flower beds. There seemed to be a resounding cry from the diligent ones who yearned to be on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens: "If only…

Over this past week, a YouTube recording surfaced of John MacArthur sitting on a panel playing word association with other so-called Christian leaders. When Beth Moore's name was thrown out, MacArthur replied, "Go home." Other guests went on to call her a narcissist and the panel responded with a slew of reactions, both with reasons why they didn't support her stance on Biblical issues, to down-right name-calling. The recording unleashed a fire storm on social media and MacArthur is facing a huge backlash. I've observed the responses with heartsick sadness and frustration. MacArthur, regardless of his personal beliefs, did not…

I love everything about the creative process. From spinning a story world into existence, breathing characters to life or muddling through their spiritual and emotional transformations, I find the entire journey exhilarating. I even love the grueling grind of editing. (Most days, at least.) Even with the exhilarating side to creating, writing is a tough gig, especially when you consider you’re putting your deepest thoughts and musings out for everyone to see. It’s an open invitation for anyone to take a peek inside your most vulnerable, shadowed places. And people, as we all know, judge. For a recovering people pleaser,…