Our family loves time at the beach. Not only do we have lots of fun, but we also learn some valuable lessons. One of the lessons we learned several years ago was “Nothing is impossible with God.” It all began with a neon golf ball. The day before we left to go to our friend’s beach house, I handed each child a list for packing. It was all the necessary clothes, a swimsuit, a beach towel, a toothbrush, etc. The kids did great packing their suitcases. Nathan decided to add in a few extra toys from home. One of those toys was a neon golf ball. Micaela and Nathan both really enjoyed diving for items that summer so I knew it had to be for diving.

Would you consider yourself a person of gratitude? Do you remember to say thank you when someone does something for you? I wish I could say I always remember to say thanks but I struggle with this. In today’s scripture from Luke 17:11-19, we read about ten lepers. They taught me about the importance of gratitude.

My birthday is coming up. I absolutely love birthdays! I enjoy celebrating and of course, gifts are an added bonus. In celebration of my birthday, I thought it would be fun to share 10 things that you may not know about me.

My NEW book Becoming an Intentional Family is almost here! It will be released on November 1.  I am inviting YOU to join my book launch team!   Join the Book Launch Team! I can’t wait for the launch! We are going to have so much fun on our team! Here are the details… What is…

Caleb whimpered, “I’m scared to go over Daddy! Please make it smaller.” My husband Jonathan replied, “No, but I can make the ladder taller for you.” Our 5-year-old son Caleb said a firm “No!” Jonathan encouraged him to go up the ladder and cheered him on. He also told Caleb that he would go with him. Caleb started to climb and went to the top. Immediately the fear returned. He didn’t want to go across and down the other side of the ladder.

Summer is in full swing around here! We have had a flurry of activity. It has been fun but also wearing. Maybe you can relate? One place I love to go for encouragement when I am in a busy season is the Bible. Here are five of my favorite scripture verses to help you to thrive in this busy season.

Bethany Turner is hands down one of my favorite authors! I am going back and reading her books I haven't read yet. The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck is quite the page-turner. I love how Sarah's story reminds us that no matter what our past God redeems it and uses it for His glory. Sarah and Ben's love story is swoon-worthy. I loved this book and highly recommend it!

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 is one of the most quoted bible verses of all time. It’s easy to find plaques, pillows, mugs, t-shirts, etc. with this verse on it. Psalm 46 is a powerful reminder of who God is and the power that He has. For example, in verse one, we read “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” As the psalm goes on, we learn about God. And then we get to Psalm 46:10. In this verse we stop hearing about God and instead hear directly from God.

Join me at the Printed Letter Bookstore for a beautiful story of healing, hope and friendship! Katherine Raey weaved an incredible story where Madeline, Claire, and Janet felt like my dear friends. I cried with them, cheered them on, and even told them what to do. I grew in my walk with the Lord as a result of their story. I loved this book and highly recommend it!

Last week our four children went back to school. It’s hard to believe we have a week of school done already. The week before our family prepared for the school year by going on a prayer walk around our children’s schools. As parents, we have the amazing privilege of praying for our children. This is something my husband Jonathan and I take very seriously. Especially when the school year begins.