I'm a middle-aged lady from Arkansas who married a Marine, traveled the world, got a degree in history, rescued some dogs, made a bunch of friends, and fell in love with the Bible. I also like to write things.
Fasting is a secular fad, nowadays. In 2019, fasting seems to be the new “it” way to diet. Celebrities are doing it. Weight loss books are being written about it. “Intermittent fasting” is a term I see all over the place and hear people talking about from time to time. Let me assure you… This … More Whenever You Fast…
I love men. I cherish them. I have a father and a stepfather, and I love both of them dearly. I have a brother whose humor and goodness light up every room he enters. I have pastors who encourage me, guide me, and answer all of my many questions with the patience of Job. I … More Where Are Our Men?
My darling and long-time friend Sandi has asked me many times to share my favorite Christian podcasts and pastors and studies with her. I hope that I’ve given her answers in the past, but I know I’ve never taken the time to sit down and give her a comprehensive list. That’s horrible. So let’s just … More My Favorites – The Things I Read, Watch, & Listen To in Bible Study
Depression sucks. You may or may not remember the first article I wrote on this blog that talked about our first day back in church after two decades of non-participation. The sermon that day was about anxiety and worry and the sin of despondence. It spoke to me, and it let me know that … More Depression is Different When God’s Here
Last Christmas, I decided to purchase new bibles for my mother-in-law and a dear friend. I had just spent the previous year falling in love with Scripture, and I wanted to spread the excitement. I knew these two women would receive a Bible gift with pleasure, and after extensive Bible browsing, I landed on the … More A New Bible for a New Season
Chapter 3 of the book of Ruth dives right into the point. If you haven’t read chapters 1 & 2, go do that so you can catch up. They’re very short chapters, and the context is pretty important. Now that Naomi has really experienced her daughter-in-law’s loyalty and been reminded of the kindness and justice … More First Reading of Ruth: 3, A Widow’s Proposal
Looking Through History’s Dark Glass I saw this photograph of a young Pakistani shepherd and I thought, “I bet this is exactly what David looked like.” How crazy cool is that? Maybe it’s just because I’m a history freak, and maybe you find this sort of thing obvious or boring, but indulge me for a … More Dealing with David #2 – The Shepherd Boy
King David. Sigh. What can I say? The guy gives me heartburn. I loved David when I was a kid. He was the boy who beat Goliath by being brave and believing God. Veggie Tales taught my daughter that “little guys can do big things, too.” The felt board stories in Sunday school taught … More Dealing with David – Introduction
I have been away too long! My husband got very sick for three solid weeks, and our household has been in chaos. But let’s get back in where we left off. Just open your Bible to Ruth chapter 2 and read through it. It’s quite short. Come back when you’re there and let’s go through … More First Reading of Ruth: 2, Abundance, Respect, & Support
There seems to be a prevailing opinion in the US that big churches are successful, little churches are failing, and megachurches are bad. I will start by acknowledging that some big churches are big because they are successful. Some little churches are small because they are failing. Some megachurches are so mega that they … More A Successful Church
