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10 Years Later
Can you believe it has been a decade? Ten years ago, when I first released How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird, the biggest hurdle we faced was social awkwardness. We were worried about being the "weird" neighbor who baked cookies that nobody asked for or had the door slammed in our face. We just wanted to break the ice without freezing up. But as I sit here today launching the 10th Anniversary Edition, the world feels different. The "weirdness" of neighboring has shifted. We aren't just dealing with awkward silences anymore; we are...
How’s Your Heart Before the Holidays?
Hello, friend. If you’ve wondered where I’ve been lately, the short answer is: everywhere. This year, I’ve been busy living the stories that happen off the page. It has been a year of overflowing joy, overfull calendars, and major milestones: Jan: Celebrated my amazing mother-in-law’s 90th birthday May: 35th anniversary trip to Europe (soon to be featured in the New York Times!) Aug: Helped my parents move Nov: Our daughter got married! We have a new son-in-law! Dec: Coordinating our move to Florida On top of the family joy, I’ve been deep in...
How to Trust God in Seasons of Change: A Psalm 118 Devotional
I woke up with a song from childhood looping in my mind: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad…” The irony? I did not feel like rejoicing. Lately, the building blocks of my life are being moved around as wonderful, exciting, and hard things are happening at the same time. Our daughter is getting married and I love my son-in-law-to-be—and they are moving several states away. My parents are thriving—and they, too, are moving several hours away. Seminary is thrilling—and challenging. Responsibilities are changing at...
Holy Week Reading
Travel with Jesus along the "Via Dolorosa," which means "Way of Suffering," as you remember His route to the cross during Holy Week. I've combined the Easter accounts from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John into one continuous reading. Reminiscent of the stations of the cross honored by many Christian traditions, the readings are separated into the major events of Holy Week:Maundy Thursday The Last Supper Garden of Gethsemane Betrayal of Judas Accusation by the Jews Denial of Peter and Abandonment by All the Disciples Good Friday Judgment before...
How to Handle an Unholy Mess
Have you ever found yourself swept away by your emotions, letting them dictate your actions and thoughts? One morning, I had a breakthrough that might resonate with you—not during a quiet devotional but in the middle of a workout. I had a conflict weighing on my mind, and instead of stewing over it, I went for a brisk winter walk to sort through the mess of feelings. With each step, I mentally replayed the situation, allowing myself to feel frustration, hurt, and even anger.This beautiful painting, "Winter Watercolor", is by my talented...
