Inspiration comes from all kinds of places. Each Christmas, I ask God to help me see the nativity with fresh eyes. I read the traditional passages from Matthew and Luke, I soak in the prophecies of Jesus’ birth from the Old Testament and look up testimonies from historians like Josephus. I’ve explored the stories of the shepherds, the Magi, Mary, …
No matter how many Christmases I’ve lived through, I always feel unprepared when the calendar rolls around to December again. It doesn’t matter how early I start shopping, how many rolls of wrapping paper I buy, or how much food I freeze ahead. When the calendar hits December 25th, I’m scrambling like dog chasing after a bone. Some days, celebrating …
Deconstructing is all the rage these days. You can see it on cooking shows. Deconstructed lemon meringue pie or apple crumb cake. You can see it in political speeches and written texts. You can even find deconstruction when it comes to faith. If you haven’t heard of this latest fad in Christian culture, it’s a focus on untangling beliefs a …
Tara can’t wait to introduce you to her talented friend, writing partner, and cup of sunshine Ane Mulligan! The ladies start off talking coffee and how Ane got her start in writing. Tara and Ane talk drama in church, the stretch between writing for stage versus novels, theatre roots, and drama for kids. Ane shares her passion for theatre and …
For the contaminated, He washes away the grime until we’re whiter than snow. For the broken, He binds up our wounds. For the empty, He fills us. For the hurting, He soothes. For the tattered heart, He sews it back with threads of grace. For the rejected, He embraces us. For the fallen, He lifts us back to our feet. …
Life is a strange thing…a series of failures and successes. Of shattered assumptions and stars eclipsed by clouds. You think your spouse would never betray you. And then they do. You believe your children would never willingly shred your heart in half. And then they do. The trusted friend, the one true ally turns away. You lay in your bed, …
On today’s show, Tara chats with her buddy, Miss Virginia Senior and Miss Senior America, Patsy Hockaday! Patsy talks about the beauty pageant circuit and the ladies discuss the recent I-95 disaster…as well as a heart-warming story that resulted in the midst of the chaos. Tara knows the secret that turns a good meal into a great meal and the …
For years, my kids and I have begged my husband to put up outdoor Christmas lights. For twenty plus years he has refused. He knows it’ll be a pain. He fears it will damage the house. I personally think he’s afraid it will look like the Griswold residence and doesn’t want the hassle. Finally, last year he conceded and bought …
What strange times we’re muddling through. Covid-19 has left us all reeling, searching for answers. For normalcy. For an end to the chaos. For hope. I pondered what I should share with you this month. I wondered if you wanted to know how my speaking schedule has come to a grinding halt. (Whose hasn’t?) I could tell you about living …
Each year I pick a word to meditate on…I know. The whole concept can seem a bit hokey, but for wordsmiths, this concept is an exhilarating gem. It’s a way for me to stay focused on God, and His character, throughout the ups and downs and crazy distractions that mark each year. Past words of the year have been bold, …