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Our property is nine plus acres of almost heaven. (My friend Fran would strongly disagree, but I try not to hold that against her.) There’s beautiful, lush grass that begs me to walk barefoot or even sit for a while. We have gorgeous trees that top 100 feet and are likely 100 years old. My […]

This past week I went to Grand Rapids for the Speak Up Conference (basically where this story began last year). Per usual, there was a stellar list of conference team members along with an equally impressive group of attendees. Last month I wrote about coincidences, specifically from my NYC trip. This trip to Grand Rapids

Listening to the radio the other day I heard something that wouldn’t stop bouncing around my head. We’ve probably done a huge disservice to people (but I’m specifically talking about women) by telling them, “You can have it all”. You’ve heard that or even said it, right? But the truth is, that’s impossible. There’s no

A trip to NYC is bound to provide ample writing material. So when I sat down to consider where to start, my options were pretty overwhelming. Suddenly though, one occurrence seemed to dominate my thoughts. We use the word coincidence rather frequently. So many things genuinely seem, by definition, to be coincidence (a remarkable concurrence

When you think of summer, what comes to mind? Are there memories that bring a smile to your face? The older I get, the less tolerant I am of the summer heat; once it’s above 80 degrees there’s a serious possibility that I’ll resemble the Wicked Witch of the West. MELTING. But I definitely don’t

I’m preparing to take a trip. Not just any trip. Probably a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. I’m going with my sisters and mom to NYC. Now I’ve traveled with them before, but I don’t recall anything more than one night. This expedition is SIX nights. And did I mention we’re driving? Oh, wait! And we’re

A few weeks ago, a friend and I were apparently having a similar day. Interactions with our spouses left us somewhat frustrated. As we shared our experiences it became obvious that the timing of our conversation was no accident. She had specifically prayed asking God to filter the words coming out of her mouth; even

My porches are some of my favorite places to just sit and listen. No music playing. No baseball game on the radio. Only the chatter coming from the chickens, the distinct call of a Bobwhite Quail, or maybe another airplane taking off or landing. Until that unmistakable buzz. It’s very familiar to me now. I

There are some things in life you’re never prepared for. No amount of study or conversation or therapy or prayer will suffice. I began one of those journeys 23 years ago. My brother died March 9, 2001. Shortly after that, I received a call from Karen Spaeth. She heard that I sang at Michael’s funeral

I thoroughly enjoy a well-manicured lawn. It makes my heart happy. Taking off my shoes and walking on this plush landscape almost feels holy. It’s highly therapeutic, too. There are studies that even suggest health benefits such as better immunity, increased antioxidants, and improved sleep. Sign me up for all of those please. So I