Yesterday afternoon, the boys and I sat in a circle on the living room floor. They’d been fighting over a Batman LEGO figure, but when a couple of grabs and tears and screams rendered them still unable to come to a resolution, Mama the Referee stepped in to blow her whistle. And blow my whistle I did, in a Mary and Martha sort of way – because for whatever reason, a single phrase kept running on repeat in my mind:... Read more
Oh friends, have I got a TREAT for you today. I’m only a couple of chapters into her book, but Mihee Kim-Kort’s newest release, Outside the Lines, is perfect for learning to color outside the lines. You’ll simultaneously feel challenged and encouraged by her wise and winsome writing and storytelling abilities …and if you’re anything like me, you WILL start to wonder how embracing queerness will transform your faith. Enjoy this interview with Mihee! — Tell us a bit about yourself, will you? My... Read more
When I was a little girl, I thought all my teachers lived in their classrooms. I remember peeking around the side of the coat closet to see if I could find their bedroom, the space they went to at the end of the school day to rest and relax so they could become my teacher again in the morning. When I was a little girl, I thought everyone went to church. Because church was what we did – and because... Read more
Oh friends, today’s author is not only one of my favorite humans on the Internet, but she writes about a subject we ALL need to lean into more. The truth is that even in this age of (supposed) connectivity, many of us feel lonely, isolated and discouraged …but that doesn’t mean we can’t be the first to extend the invitation. I’m so grateful Leslie Verner writes about this in her new book, Invited, because it’s something all of us need... Read more
Well friends, it’s not everyday that you get to highlight ANOTHER friend: Catherine McNiel is a writer whose words I resonate deeply with. I loved her first book, Long Days of Small Things (because ain’t that the TRUTH), and am equally enamored by her second book, All Shall Be Well. So, without further adieu, might I present this interview with Catherine about her newest release, today. Enjoy! — Tell us a bit about yourself, will you? Hey everyone! My name is Catherine McNiel... Read more
Sometimes the writing world is vicious, with a tendency to not believe there’s room enough for all of us at the table. But today’s writer is one of the kindest and most welcoming (real live) humans I’ve encountered on the other side of the Internet ; he sent me a card, just because he knew I might need encouragement. He shares his space and lifts up the voices of others …and that alone begs me lend him this space as well.... Read more
Oh friends, once again, I’ve got a TREAT for you: Mitali Perkins is a friend and a mentor, a writer and a future conversation partner with me (so locals, save the date for November 7th)! She’s the author of twelve novels for young readers, and just typing that makes me swoon and say aloud, “I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy!” But her reading? Oh, it’s worthy. Enjoy this interview on her new book, FORWARD ME BACK TO YOU, with her... Read more
Friends, you are in for a Tuesday treat of treat. Heather Thompson Day is a Communications Professor and a writing diva I’ve loved getting to know over the last year or so. Her newest book, Confessions of a Christian Wife, is geared specifically toward married Christian women, so if that’s you, don’t stop reading anytime soon. Enjoy! — Tell us a bit about yourself, will you? I am a Communication Professor and author. I am married to the cutest boy in my 6thgrade... Read more
It’s been a year since my first blog appeared on Patheos. My friend and former boss, Jerusalem, came up with the theme, “Coloring Outside the Lines,” a nod to my book and to fortuitous glimpses of the next year. Of course, the theme wasn’t my first choice. Although I can’t find the original emails, I was probably pushing for something like “Messy Motherhood” or “White Lady Got Woke – But Isn’t About to Call Herself Woke” or “Everything Smells Like... Read more
A couple of weeks ago, a friend commented that I must have a pretty tough exterior – after all, I keep bouncing back from rejection. I looked at her and cocked my head to the side, mostly because I didn’t know how to interpret her comment: So, you think I’m strong. Resilient. In-de-fatigable (as I learned and then taught again in 11th grade English). But you also point out the fact that rejection is a regular part of my vocabulary and I’m not... Read more
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