Survive ‘n’ Thrive Recap

Many of you are aware that I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Survive ‘n’ Thrive Single Mom Conference in Oklahoma City. I wanted to share a very brief recap of what I shared with the ladies. I should be recording my session soon, and it will be posted on the Arise Ministries […]

Holly’s Story

I am blessed to call a sweet lady, Holly, friend. She found me on Facebook shortly after I started writing. Over the last two years, she has shared portions of her life with me, a life that has been marked by walking in the flesh, feeding the lusts of the flesh instead of walking in […]

When You Feel Like Job

There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil….One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger arrived at Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, […]

Lessons Learned

The message popped up on my phone. “I have a friend whose wife left him a few years back. He’s been reading your blog. Do you mind if I give him your phone number? He would like to talk to you.” I responded in the affirmative. “Sure. Go ahead. I’d be more than happy to […]

Hidden Bitterness

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 “Mom,” Cole began, “I have a new friend. His name is Luke Williams.” I was somewhat surprised. Something inside of me jumped […]

Hope Amid Devastation

I live in a small community in Oklahoma. My kids have fewer than 500 students in their high school, grades 9-12. There are several other districts nearby that are approximately the same size. I grew up in this community. There are many, many people who have lived here their entire lives. My life has deep, […]

All Alone

As a pastor’s family, we usually moved every three or four years. We never felt quite like we were home until we returned to the Oklahoma City area. Despite the emotions of having to disappoint people and leave relationships we had built, it was just a way of life for us. However, when we had […]

Letting Go

“Mom,” my 13 year old began, “can I go to Mississippi with Miles?” Of course, the normal questions began to spill from my mouth. When? How much? What are you going to do? How are you getting there? Who is going? As with any normal teenage boy, he knew very few of the answers. He […]

It’s Not About You

I’ll never forget the conversation I had with my then husband about the woman he was having an affair with. “It’s just exhilarating that someone like that would be interested in me,” he said. Adultery hits at the core of your being. Every ounce of self-confidence and self-respect that you carry is destroyed. You look […]

Christ’s Prayer for Us

Do your kids argue and fight? I have three kids whom I love dearly. But, there are days when I feel like I will never survive. “He touched me!” “She didn’t ask if she could ride my bike!” “He came in my room without asking!” The bickering seems to never end. I often become weary […]