Sometimes the choices we need to make are not very popular ones. They go against the popular majority, make us face our fears, or expect more from us than we could ever think possible. Let’s take a look at Queen Vashti for a moment. Here’s a woman who tends to…
A Mother’s Heart
At exactly 6:15 AM, like clockwork, Grace opens her eyes to a brand new day. It’s been a long time since she has needed an alarm clock; her body somehow knows this is her time, the only real time she has to herself. Quietly, she pulls the covers off, stands,…
Look to Esther as an Example to Face Your Fears
Fear. It’s all around us. It’s inside of us. Great or small, we all, at some point, have something we are afraid of. I’m afraid of sna the “s” word. I’m afraid of failure, of being wrong or making a mistake. I have phone anxiety, probably because of the above.…
Book Review: Lulu’s Cafe
Lulu’s Cafe by T.I. Lowe was an intoxicating piece that brought an abundance of emotions to the surface. At times I wept for the main character, Leah Allen, as she endured being tortured by her husband during his drunken fits of rage. As Leah put it, she was living with…
When Change Hits Us in the Face, We Need to Trust God
When we are thrown into a scene which we would never have placed ourselves, how do we react? Do we fight, kicking and screaming at the injustice we feel? Do we gracefully bow out and run away? Or do we stay and try to make the best of the situation,…
10 Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List
With summer in full swing, I thought it would be a great idea to write down a list of books to encourage summer reading. I looked back at all of the books I have read this year and picked my favorites. I’ve also included three books I’d like to read,…
Reading Esther for Today
When we are thrown into a scene which we would never have placed ourselves, how do we react? Do we fight, kicking and screaming at the injustice we feel? Do we gracefully bow out and runaway? Or do we stay and try to make the best of the situation, trusting…
Tales From an Active Imagination: Part 6
The next installment of The Rose Garden is here! As always, if you’re new to this story, you can start here. If you just need a refresher from last time, you can find Part 5 here I open the door to my apartment, and immediately, the fresh floral scent that…
Are You a Negative Influence?
What influence do you have over others? Do you notice others watching you, trying to follow what you do? Or, are there those people who see what you do and think that’s the way they should act, speak, walk? As the mom of four, I’m constantly reminded of my bad…
An Inside Look at The Rose Garden
Thursday mornings are typically dedicated to coffee shops and one of my closest friends. It’s our thing. We decide, sometimes last minute, where we want to go, and meet up to talk, vent, laugh, and enjoy one of the best substances on earth: coffee. She likes it cold, I like…