I don’t know what kind of world we are about to face. I have my fears and legitimate concerns, like many of the rest of you. At the same time, I know some of you feel like God has prevailed and all will now be well. I feel an obligation to offer words of wisdom...

One of the most alluring things about Christianity is the feeling of belonging, of being part of something bigger. Of knowing where you fit inside that insular bubble. Of knowing the answers to the fill-in-the-blank questions, knowing what verses to quote, knowing where to find things in the Bible. And one of the loneliest places...

When some people tell me I’m unique, I think perhaps it’s a subtle way of telling me I’m weird. Like, not in a good way. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve quit worrying so much about that and I’ve embraced my uniqueness. After all, God made me this way, and I have to believe He...

One of the joys of being in this writing industry is encountering really awesome people I would have never met otherwise. Not long ago, I got connected to Annie Boyd, who helped promote my book InstaPrayer, and now I have the privilege of telling you about the new book she’s part of. The Gathering Table...

Welcome to installment #8 in a series called Making Scripture Your Own. (Read intro post here.) I attended a retreat with Meggie Kornelsen a few years ago, and although I didn’t get to spend any real time with her, I’ve since followed her avidly on social media. She’s interesting and creative and brave and kind...

Welcome to installment #7 in a series called Making Scripture Your Own. (Read intro post here.) Kayla Bernal is one of those lovely friends I’ve found online along the way of my writing career, and although we have yet to meet face to face, I admire so many things about her. She graciously agreed to...

Welcome to installment #6 in a series called Making Scripture Your Own. (Read intro post here.) Jodie Barrett has become an especially dear friend of mine. She is spunky and generous and kind. She lives her life full of joy, and I have witnessed firsthand how her commitment to joy has sustained her through the...

Welcome to installment #5 in a series called Making Scripture Your Own. (Read intro post here.) Today’s author, Diana Rockwell, is a sweet woman I met through a Suzie Eller retreat several years ago. Her kindness and compassion shine through immediately upon meeting her, and I’m grateful she offered to be part of this series....

I’m excited to share installment #4 in a series called Making Scripture Your Own. (Read intro post here.) Jama Kehoe Bigger is just one of the best people I’ve ever known. I met her through her role as director of the Midwest Writers Workshop—she is another of the treasured friends I’ve found there. I adore...

Welcome to installment #3 in a series called Making Scripture Your Own. (Read intro post here.) Gail Werner is a real-life friend of mine—one of several really amazing writer-friends discovered through the Midwest Writers Workshop. She’s much younger than I am but she is who I want to be when I grow up—she’s well-informed, intelligent,...