Gladden The Heart

Yesterday morning Tim, Riley, Brady, and I walked to Cornerstone, our new school. Some people from our community were there painting and doing repairs and we thought we might be able to jump in and help out for a little while. Soon after arriving, Tim and I realized we needed to get our children away [...]

My neighbor also posted about Woodlawn United Methodist Church this week.
She included some links to the church’s website that has pictures of the building, sanctuary, and stained glass windows.
Thanks, Lisa, for letting me know about your beautiful blog.

I am passionate about the city for many reasons. I long for redemption, restoration, and revitalization, but my love for this place is not dependent on those things. Loving my neighborhood requires the ability to see beauty in the midst of brokenness.
Many can’t bear the thought of moving into the Woodlawn side of Crestwood because [...]

The “Parenting” version:
1. My children don’t need me to be a perfect mom. When I fail them and disappoint them, it is a good reminder for all of us that they need Jesus to be their Jesus.
2. Loving my kids well will oftentimes look very different from how parenting is portrayed in our culture, the [...]

When I was in elementary school, my parents took my brother and me to Washington, D.C. during our spring break. One of my clearest memories of that trip is the time we spent at Arlington National Cemetery.

Watching the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier made a huge impact on me. [...]

A friend just sent me a book excerpt that is also posted here. When this particular friend sends me links about motherhood, I know it’s going to be worth my time. And, this one is. I can relate to much of what the author has written about my current season of life. As I [...]

Happy Anniversary to me. And to Tim.
As each year passes, I become even more grateful for our marriage. Tim is an amazing man and I am so glad I walked down the aisle at 2:00pm on May 2, 1998. A few minutes later I entered a covenant, and there are days when I feel the [...]

I’m still thinking about the resurrection… I guess that’s because I really need the resurrection. It’s pretty crucial to this whole Christianity thing. Maybe this is a good place to mention my pastor’s Easter sermon. It’s definitely worth a listen. Or two. Download the mp3 for April 12 (that was Easter in case you’re [...]

Last year I did a “30 Days of Pictures” project. It’s time for round two. Although this year it will last for 34 days. Because 34 is a good number.
Our family has enjoyed the Lenten Lights readings and candle “snuffings” over the last 40 days. During the readings we have had the overhead lights off [...]

Riley: Good has won.

“Whatever the headlines, Easter announces the news that evil has ultimately been overcome by good.”
“Easter is about acknowledging the breaking in of eternity into the ordinary patterns of our lives.”
–Michael Ford, Eternal Seasons, p153 & p154