Just as I love novels that show authentic, messy lives, I love music that speaks to the broken–music that allows the Christian to remove their smiling, church mask and show true feelings. Every once in a while a song comes out that hits me right where I’m at, a song that speaks my feelings better than I can myself. One …
Favorite Love Song
There are few things that speak the language of love better than music. Music has a way of unlocking emotions in even the most stoic of people (like myself). So, I couldn’t think of a better post for Valentine’s Day than spotlighting my favorite *Love* song. Having grown up listening the music of the 80’s, I had several favorites to …
The Joy of Retreat
Oftentimes, there’s nothing better for our mental health than getting away from it all: our work, volunteering, classes, family. I’m blessed to have a bucolic place I can escape to. About once a year, usually in January or February, I head off to Christmas Mountain Village in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin for three to four days. It’s a cozy resort nestled …
Are Today’s Novels Too Vanilla?
In Tuesday’s post (The Breath of Dawn – Novel Recommendation), I talked about one of my favorite series published in the CBA, the A Rush of Wings series (though not technically a series as all books stand alone) by Kristen Heitzmann. One thing stood out to me as I was reading those books again, a question that nagged at me: …
2013 Movie Anticipation
I’ve mentioned before how I love going to movies with my family. There’s nothing like having two hours to sit and relax with no phones ringing, no one asking for Mom. I can just sit and enjoy. And this year offers several movies I can’t wait to see. Oz: The Great and Powerful (March 8, 2013) – The land of Oz …
Suffering in Silence
Just over seven years ago, when I was writing my first novel, I kept hearing this whisper in my head that my male protagonist needed to have a child. Knowing that was absolutely not something I wanted in this story, I repeatedly ignored that whisper, until … One day I was sitting in my recliner, doing what, I don’t remember. …
Just Another Statistic …
Come January 22, 2013, 40 years will have passed since the Roe v. Wade decision. I’m not typically an outspoken person, but it’s very difficult to remain silent when so many innocent lives are still being taken. For those of you who aren’t aware of the scope of this decision, here’s a peek into the 2011 – 2012 Annual Report …
Family New Year Tradition
My husband and I are blessed to have three *children* (a 20 year old, 18 yo, and almost 17 yo) who still enjoy hanging around with us, and we take full advantage of that. 🙂 One of our favorite family traditions happens on New Years Eve when we choose a movie series to watch for the day, plus we bowl …
Super Easy Fudge Recipe
Those who know me, know I avoid cooking and baking unless absolutely necessary (which obviously happens at least once per day for the family). If the recipe calls for more than six ingredients, it’s doubtful I’ll make it. But, give me something easy, and I’ll think about it. Something like my Fudgies recipe. Not only is it easy, but it’s …
The Grinch Game
One of my can’t-miss movies every Christmas season is Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch  Stole Christmas (the cartoon version). I love the music, the characters, the story, the message. And who can’t help but sing along with “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch”? [Aside – if you want to hear a fun version of You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch, …