Someone recently gifted me a red gerbera daisy plant, which I potted and proudly placed by my front door to bring people joy as they approached my home. However, I quickly noticed the flowers drooping. Assuming it was because of the Alabama heat, I began watering them more regularly and moved them to where they’d […]

My son’s first cello lesson of the year took an unexpected turn. As his teacher formulated his weekly practice plan, she emphasized that his goal for his practice session was to simply show up with joy. As I listened, a mixture of awe and confusion colored my disposition. No minimums on practice time, special drills […]

She’s living my dream… I thought to myself as I scrubbed the carrots in my hand and started vigorously chopping them. My blood was pumping full speed with a surge of jealousy. I had just finished mindlessly browsing social media while my soup broth simmered and my heart boiled with discontent. In the midst of […]

When Plans Change Ah, summertime. The days are endless and the sun is plentiful. The heat is constant and the routine is … lacking? Perhaps you’re a college student whose internship was canceled, and you’re not sure how to fill your days. Maybe you’re a mama of young kids and are struggling to keep up […]

“Count it all joy…”  These introductory words from the New Testament letter of James have been tumbling around in my mind. They’re giving me gut punches when I want to complain, and comforting my heart when discouragement threatens my peace. The question strikes my heart: is it really possible to “count it all joy” in […]