Are you one of those people that love a clean kitchen? Does it energize and empower you? Me too.  When my house is out of order, I feel like I am out of order.  The other day my kitchen counters were cluttered with papers that needing to be filed, thrown away, and mail that still needed to be read.  The pile of dirty dishes had grown out of the sink and invaded the remaining counter space.  The dried on food mocked me from between the plates.  Once again it was out of control…I felt defeated even before I had begun to fight back. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother to clean because it’s only going to get messy again. Oh well, here I go. It has to be done. I rolled up my sleeves, dug in and whipped that kitchen into shape.  The counters sparkled from the wash down, the dishwasher hummed quietly and no papers cluttered my counters. Yes! I had achieved a sense of calm once again.

Today I celebrate my favorite person in the world, my husband Jonathan.  His name means Yahweh gives. Jonathan is truly a gift in my life as well as so many other’s lives. Here are some of the many reasons why Jonathan is a gift to me. Jonathan is sold out for Jesus, he is committed and dependable, a great father to our kids, and an amazing provider for our family.

Today I celebrate the birthday of a very special person. His name is Don Schweingruber. I met Don in 1996 when I went to visit Bluffton College. I can clearly remember the warmth and love that radiated from Don that day. I even remember giving him a hug because I already felt like I knew him. Don was the Dean of Students at Bluffton College at the time. In the fall of 1996, I started my college career at Bluffton and also my friendship with Don and Nancy Schweingruber. My life forever changed from that moment on.

Listening- one of the hardest things to do. What does it mean to listen? Here is the definition from Webster's dictionary: "to pay attention to someone in order to hear what is being said and understand that it is serious, important, or true." When I read over this definition, I am convicted. How many times has a friend shared a concern with me and I haven't really listened to them?  Do I listen for the benefit of my friend?

This morning I went for an 8-mile run. It was a solid run and it felt amazing! To some people, this sounds absolutely crazy. To others, it sounds impossible. It may feel like they could never run 8 miles let alone a half mile.  I used to think it was crazy and impossible too. Then God got a hold of my heart and asked me to step out in faith. Here’s my story about how it all began…

Around February 28 of each year we remember and celebrate the life of Jeremiah David, the baby we miscarried in July of 2007. He would have been born on February 29, 2008. Each year we purchase a yellow rose and a blue balloon to celebrate him. The kids are involved and love this special day.…

When it comes to hugs, I don't ever want to be the first to let go. I am trying to live this motto out with my kids. The other day, I went into my son's room to get him up for the day. After pulling him out of his crib, he threw his arms around me and snuggled for a hug. It was a Moment that Mattered. Caleb held on tight and I hugged him right back. As I stood there, my mind starting racing about all the things that needed to get done that day. I was just about to put Caleb down so we could get going on our day. At that moment, God whispered to my heart. "Don't be the first to let go. Spend this precious time with Caleb."  When I continued to hug Caleb at that moment, I communicated to him that he was more important than what I had going and what I wanted to get done.

I have been on a hunt lately.  It's a hunt I plan to be on the rest of my life. This hunt is not easy, sometimes it's downright hard, but I know it's totally worth it. I am on a hunt for Moments That Matter.

The story of Zacchaeus has always been one that intrigues me. It's only ten verses long but so much is packed into his story. I have lots to learn from this wee little man. He was determined, a good listener, repentant and one who acted on his word.

As women, we love to look good. We spend lots and lots of time picking out the perfect outfit, jewelry, and shoes to match. The longing to be noticed is there even if we don't admit it. Women have a longing deep inside to be beautiful and to be noticed. But too often than not, we find ourselves comparing to another woman. Sometimes it's our friends or even a family member. We think and sometimes say out loud "I wish I was as skinny as my sister" or "Oh, I love her outfit, I wish I could have clothes like that."  or "Her body shape is so much better than mine" or "If only I could sing or dance like her or run as fast as her" or  "Oh, to have a life like her then things would be all better."