When Terror Strikes

Last week, I watched in horror as terror unfolded in Paris, France. Bombings. Hostages. Shootings. Innocent people targeted. My heart broke for the people of Paris. For lives lost. For lives shattered, forever changed. As I watched the non-stop news coverage, I began to wonder what kind of world my kids will inherit from us. […]

An “Aha” Moment

Have you ever had a pity party with God? You know what I’m talking about. “Why, God?’ we whine. “Why did this have to happen? Why? Why? Why?” I know I’ve been there. To be honest, I still find myself there frequently. When things just aren’t going right and life is falling apart, I begin […]

When Your Husband Isn’t Who You Think He Is

I promise that I have heard it all. Nothing shocks me any more. But, here is a story told by a very brave survivor, one fighting for her faith and her future. Keep my sweet friend in your prayers as she walks courageously forward. ************************ I was the kid in school that everyone knew as […]

When Scars Fade

Today is September 9. Mean anything to you? Probably not. But to me, September 9 is the anniversary of the day my life changed forever. September 9, 2008, is the day my husband was caught in an affair. Seven full years ago. September 9, 2009, is the day of our first court proceedings in the […]

If I Were Anna Duggar

The Ashley Madison scandal has been heavy on my mind in recent days. It hits so close to home because I’ve been the spouse on the other side, the spouse horrified to discover her husband on an online dating site. I suppose we could at least point out that these spouses weren’t hiding the fact […]

Thoughts on the Ashley Madison Scandal

I rarely comment on current events. I prefer to simply stick with the basics of scripture—loving God, loving others as we love ourselves. I don’t want to be guilty of throwing gas on a fire, stirring up division in the body. But this time is somewhat different. We’ve been inundated with the hack on the […]

Broken and Shook Up

Have you ever played with a glow stick? You know, the ones that kids love. You pull them out of the package, and they are rather plain, ordinary. But then… You bend the stick. You hear it break inside. You begin to shake it up. As you break it and shake it, it begins to […]

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 […]

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 […]