At my dear friend John’s funeral, I was brought to tears as people highlighted his kind, generous spirit. The word authentic was repeatedly used to describe how he lived his life. What a legacy to be known as a genuinely authentic person; someone who knows what it means to be real. Although my friend lived…

What is discouragement? A curtain of doubt that falls on you when optimism over a particular outcome is ripped away.   I can vividly remember situations where I felt discouraged. It started as a season of hope that was replaced by uncertainty and confusion. The moment my husband walked into the room after Hurricane Katrina…

Some people naturally know how to encourage others. We feel refreshed in their presence, and they freely offer praise, admiration, and genuine encouragement. When I am around encouragers, I wonder, how are they so kind? Is it possible for all of us to become encouragers? What does the Bible say about encouragement? Expressing encouragement may…

While listening to my friend explain her simple Christmas traditions, I looked around and felt the spirit of Christmas everywhere. Her home looked, smelled, and felt like Christmas. I was intrigued by her family’s approach to celebrating the holidays without stress or exhausting busyness. A simple Christmas sounded like a comforting, freeing idea. I decided…

Are you wondering how the Bible can change your life? How does the word of God completely transform you? When I was in grade school, I was part of a team that would memorize Bible verses for competition. The training involved sitting on my porch, eating Lemonhead candy while practicing Bible flash cards. I hate…

The saying ‘a good friend is hard to find’ doesn’t seem genuine when surrounded by good friends; we don’t think about what makes a good friend. But during seasons when friendships are hollow or nonexistent, the saying feels especially painful and true. We have to grow and change to become the kind of people who…