This morning, I woke up with my husband at 5am. I’m not always an early bluebird singing sweet songs in the dawning hours. But, I’ve been trying to get up with him to pray and read a devotion together. When I do get up with my husband, I want to serve and attend to him. I feel like we want to “out-serve” one another. He goes willingly and joyfully to work everyday to provide for our family. Not only that...he makes me “brewed with love” coffee. Carl got up just a tid-bit before me, while I rustled myself out of bed. I was tired, but wanted to find my way through the sleepy forest. When I did, I looked upon the kitchen counter and found coffee. I looked upon this creamy caffeine delight with a smile. My helping husband knew I would need a caffeine spark. The coffee was poured with his adoration love. Peppermint mocha creamer added a dash of his rich romanticism. This gesture spoke to me this morning. It steamed with a godly’s man giving heart.  Ladies, don’t settle on “no c

    It’s December 26th, the day after Christmas. Presents have been unwrapped, holiday hams have been eaten, and parties have been attended. Now what to do? It’s the lullaby lull after Christmas. Now we’re bitter sweetly singing, “What’s next on the agenda?” It’s as if we all have a bit of holiday postpartum depression. The excitement of Christmas has dipped and we are getting off the rollercoaster of cheer. We stand at the exit and look around to spot our next destination.  Instead of singing a lullaby lull, sing of sweet praises. Sing of memories that have twinkled and laughter that has been sugared. But, I know, I feel a little sadness myself. It was the first time that my husband and I exchanged gifts. This was our second Christmas as a married couple.    It was funnel cake fun to buy presents for my husband. It was peppermint sweet to see the delight in his eyes when he opened his presents. The merriment trimmed his face. It’s an intimate Christmas I will treasure, like th

  Recently, I went over my friend’s house for Thanksgiving.   After I ate turkey and all the trimmings, we all proceeded to sit down and chat.   It was nice to have an in-depth conversation with my loving friends, Jessica and Rob.   We talked about a Facebook post.   It has been falling like snowflakes on everyone’s feed, because Christmas is flying in.   The post suggested that parents should not tell their children that high priced items (iPads, cell phones, computers, etc.) are not from Santa.   It went on to say, “Not everyone can afford gifts of that expensive stature. Little ones wonder why other children receive an iPad (etc.) and they didn’t.”   While we sat and chatted under the multi-colored Christmas lights, we all chimed in agreement…it’s the parent’s prerogative to give a little or to give a lot.   A Facebook suggestion should not scold you on your giving circumstances. No one has the right to tell you what to buy or not to buy for your children.   If you want to

Well, here it goes…my first controversial article.   As I’m sitting here writing this piece, I am watching a Hallmark movie, so don’t forget I do have a soft heart.   The Hallmark Channel and Facebook make you think of hundreds of ideas to write about.   This post will be much different from my usual articles about love and family memories.   Lately, I’ve seen so many Facebook posts about illnesses.   No, I’m not talking about diseases or life-threatening sicknesses, but your usual colds and flus.   It’s the time of the year of not only holiday fun, but sniffles and sneezes.   Santa will come with goodies and maybe some typical coughs and congestion.   If you do unwrap some of these unpleasant presents, don’t be alarmed and light up like Rudolph’s nose!   Stay calm, sit by the roaring fire and sip some tea.   Stay home to heal! I’ve come across Facebook post after Facebook post… “going to the hospital, I’m coughing and have a stuffy nose” or “I need to take my child to the em

  “This world will chew you up and spit you out”, my dad used to say.   Harsh saying isn’t it?   But he was right.   This world is brash, cold, bold, and will use a two-edged sword to slash.   It will try to cut down your spirit and your faith in God.   The evil amid this world will tamper with your thoughts and being.   The restlessness within the core depths will shake your soul.   Be on guard and be at your “sacred post”.   I think the world “chewing you up” can mean different “food groups”. Everyone on this earth has experienced trials, temptations, and bouts of sin.   These are “food groups” we all know too well.   The world’s teeth will sink deep within your skin if you don’t have spiritual thickness.   It’s also the natural order of believers and unbelievers to rain on the just and unjust.   Although, it does rain on the just, God’s umbrella will shelter you with joy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of yo