Got the Tingles?

Mark: Jill and I spent this past weekend with over 2500 moms at the North Central Regional Hearts at Home Conference.  While I go with her to serve and work the conference, I also get the opportunity to hear some wonderful speakers. At this conference, I really...

An Open Letter to a Woman Who Has Breast Cancer

Dear Friend, I know your world has recently been turned upside down. You can hardly breathe and you’re worried about your future and your family’s future. It’s possibly you’ve come to grips with your diagnosis but are recovering from surgery,...

An Open Letter To A Woman Who Doesn’t Have Breast Cancer

Dear Friend, Tomorrow marks two years since my breast cancer diagnosis. Today I’m sharing my heart with you in hopes that you’ll take care of yourself and do all you can to prevent cancer and detect it early if it shows up in your life. Tomorrow I’m...

Decorate Your Dorm

Last year our youngest headed off to college. Two hours from our home in Central Illinois, Austin started his four years of living in the dorm at Moody Bible College studying communications. In early November, I found myself in the Dollar Store to pick up a couple of...

I Know What You’re Thinking…NOT

Mark: Last week I was talking with a friend who was reeling from a big argument he and his wife had on Halloween. As we talked through the challenge, it became evident to me that the whole mess happened because expectations weren’t talked through.  Been there…done...

Quote of the Week

“We never grow closer to God when we just love life; it takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.”                                 ~Francis Chan

Soul Care: Breathe

Last week I took a first ever four-day Silence and Solitude retreat all by myself. My body was tired, my soul was dry, and I knew I just needed to be with Jesus.  I shared a couple weeks ago how I made the decision to take this soul care retreat. As an introvert, I...

It is what it is…

Mark: When we found out Jill was pregnant with our fourth child I was angry. We had an appointment on the calendar for me to have a little “snip snip” surgery and the stick turned blue two weeks before surgery.  I spent much of that pregnancy angry at Jill...

Quote of the Week

“Being fully me is so much better than being an imitation of someone else.”                                                            ~Lysa TerKeurst

Quote of the Week

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there.”                                                        ~Unknown