Sarah Mae (MaeMae) and I became internet friends when it was still weird to say so out loud. Over the past decade our friendship has turned epically real-life and is one of the greatest gifts of both our lives. From our totally random (but clearly God-ordained) meeting, to running the Allume Conference side-by-side, and now just doing life together as the best of friends, we … [Read more...]

I honestly didn't have the first clue what I was getting myself into when I walked up the long stairwell alongside my children. So often I think if we knew what lies ahead, we would probably completely avoid the circumstances that set us up for the wild rides in life that we endure in the first place. This day was no different. I was completely dry. Our family was here … [Read more...]

It’s hard to sort through a lifetime of memories, especially when the whole of memories, both small and large, feel more like a lifelong anthology.  How do you choose just one or two tidbits “worth sharing,” when it all comes together to create an entire volume of things worth remembering.  Some memories don’t stand out with all the particulars in focus, and yet some feel … [Read more...]

  PARENTING IS SOOO HARD!!! Remember that time one of your children was so heinous that you had to ask your dear friends to leave and you removed EVERYTHING... even the mattress from his room. Also important to note is making sure to have the kind of friends who get it and love you still when this very rare but super important type of thing happens. #mamadontplay … [Read more...]

I've loved to create as long as I can remember.  From the time I was a little girl creativity has encompassed everything from collage art kits to paints, food, home decor, and even words.  I love to express creativity in a million different ways and have always appreciated that about others too.  But in a season when I first had children, that bone in my body seemed to grow … [Read more...]

There are times in life when the words "thank you" fall woefully short.  Because really, how do I begin to thank the people who have poured out their lives for a year for my family? How do I end a year with women who have not only taught letters and numbers and cursive and history to my children, but who have become friends to me?  How do I say goodbye to the frequency and the … [Read more...]

Surrendering the Heavy Things  We circled the wooden sleigh bed as my friend, Melissa, sat propped up against quilted pillows. An army of dear friends gathered to do battle in the heavenlies. We held hands and spoke words uttered from the depths of souls weary from a long fight. The room filled with tongues of men and of angels. Nine of us stood around Melissa that day … [Read more...]

I shouldn't care this much.  I know it should be small potatoes in the grand scheme of life. Because in my heart of hearts I know I'm much more valuable than a few measly hairs and some extra pounds.  But still...these days, when I look in the mirror I have to fight feeling sad.  Sitting on the sofa and running my fingers through my ever thinning locks, I feel spots at the … [Read more...]

Today my book releases!  Curious Faith is finally out in the world for all to see, and this long road I've been on to write and publish a book is a reality! I have all the feelings about the book finally coming out, but all those feelings have to sit tight just a little because as you read this I'll be on a plane returning home from China.  Yes, CHINA! Today, I won't … [Read more...]

HOT DOG have I got something fun for you!!!  Happening this coming week Feb 22-26th on my INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK accounts! One of the awesomest things I've found in writing a book is finding people I love who are doing the same thing.  I've always been big on supporting what God is doing in and through others, and when it comes to publishing and writing, it's no … [Read more...]