what could *you* do with just five minutes a day?
What could *you* do with five minutes? This is a question that Lisa-Jo Baker asked her blog readers over four years ago, when she launched a weekly link-up called Five Minute Friday. Today, I'm asking you the same question: What could you do with five minutes a...
that time i tripped and fell over a question ~ #wordsmatter
You may have read a version of this story before, but what can I say ... It was one of those defining moments in my life. It was the time I stumbled and fell over an innocent, four-worded question. To her credit, she waited until I had stowed my carry-on in the...
five minute friday :: because
Hey there! Welcome to another week of Five Minute Friday! Can't believe this is already my eighth week hosting this precious community ... Time flies when you're having fun! And you guys just never cease to amaze me with your brave, beautiful writing week after...
when it all hits just a little too close to home
The list of books available for review appeared in my inbox. I scanned it over, and my eyes landed and paused on one title: Experiencing the Loss of a Family Member, by H. Norman Wright. I dismissed it, knowing it would stir up too many raw emotions. The next day,...
when it’s hard to find hope in the rubble
Today I am *so* thrilled to introduce you to my very own sister, Sarah Baar! First of all, it must be said that she's the real writer in the family. As in, she's written, like, six novels in thirty days each. Yeah, she's one of those. But I still...
five minute friday :: hold
You guys! I am SO EXCITED by how many of you have said you're going to take up the challenge I put forth last week to join The Nester's 31 Days! Like, seriously, it totally made my week. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, The Nester started...
get to know mary – a review
Teach a child to read, and you've unlocked a world of knowledge and unlimited possibility. As a homeschooler, I've got a soft spot for children's books, and particularly books that help my kids better understand the Bible. This new book, Get to Know Mary, by Nancy...
How to Be Sad and Well at the Same Time
It was the day I had dreaded more than any other. The day we buried my mom. Somehow I had managed to get dressed and rote walk my way to the church for the funeral, flanked by my dearest relatives. The "inner circle" of immediate family congregated in a...
for your joy
If they could live on the beach, they’d be happy forever, these kids of mine. On Labor Day weekend, they taunted the churning waves and rode the swell on borrowed boogie boards — one last hurrah as summer lets out her final sigh and exhales into hibernation until...
should parents have children of a different skin color?
The conversation took place way back in my Bible college days, but for some reason it stuck with me. I was playing table tennis with a guy friend of mine, like we did most days, when we weren’t in class or playing euchre. And like most days, we talked as we...








