Congratulations! It’s been one year since you first strolled down the lovely and peaceful path to my website “home.” Guided by principles of faith and purpose, we have been inspired to grow our walks with the Lord, build our homes, and invest in family and friends together. For some, this past year has been one where foundations have been tested, while others have been sifted as the Lord has made us useful for His purposes, and through it all He has remained faithful as we k

M - Meaningful, Memorable A - Appreciate, Affirm Y - Yearn, Yes, YOU! Welcome to my May posting! If you're like me one day just isn't enough to express my love and appreciation to those women who have influenced or encouraged me. So let's take the month of MAY to celebrate, affirm and appreciate! Here's a simple gift you can make TODAY that will make someone very thankful you thought of them. Easy to make with your grand children too! Supplies: Clear bag, ribbon, tag (craft

What better time to celebrate God's gift of love to us then Valentine's Day? It's not just for those who are married or have sweethearts; let's celebrate our selfless and supportive moms, spectacular daughters, sweet sisters and our sensational girlfriends! I John 4:19 tells us "We love because He first loved us." This verse helps us share His love because He has filled us to overflowing with His love. It means we should extend His love to strangers and acquaintances. It

"I love to hike and go with my son-in-law, Ken and my buddy Larry," Pastor Dave Lyman tells us. "When we went on a winter hike in the mountains of New York State. These mountains are known for their beautiful white rock cliffs. This particular day was not only cold but the windiest day that I have ever been hiking, the winds were 60 mph and gusting higher. I remember seeing Ken close to the edge of the 400 foot cliff. His right foot is off the ground, that is because the

I hope you can pour a cup of iced tea and join me for a stroll through this lovely garden. It's filled with picnics, lattes, thoughts, and reflections written to encourage YOU! "For they refreshed my spirit and yours also..." I Corinthians 16:18 NIV Photo Credit: fishtailcottage.blogspot.com M - Meaningful, Memorable A - Appreciate, Affirm Y - Yearn, Yes, YOU! I thought we would take ALL of May to celebrate women who have been a great influence or encouragement in our lives -

"And let us consider thoughtfully how we can encourage one another." Hebrews 10:24 #prayer #Bibleverse #inspiration #encouragement

"We've learned to rush but not to wait." (from The Paradox of Time) "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Psalm 37:7 Photo: IG - jasoncharleshill #patience #inspiration #encouragement #Bibleverse

Do you have a relationship with the Lord? If so, it should make a difference in everything you do! Elisabeth Elliott said it this way: “The fact that I’m a woman doesn’t make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I’m a Christian does make me a different kind of woman." I want to be that kind of woman, don't you? If others were "peering through the window" of your heart, your thoughts, your attitude, your actions... what would they see? If you want to be a ref

"I wonder and I search my heart. When I sit and search long enough to listen to God’s still small voice, I grapple with the familiar and I groan for the fresh… and I wonder. Have I shopped, cleaned, and baked away the season without bending a knee to worship the Savior? Have I decorated my home, but failed to focus my heart?" from Girlfriends in God "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 Photo: Anne Terese Fara #inspiration #encouragement #holidays #Christmas #Jesus

This week I had the chance to gather with a group of girlfriends and one of them shared this verse from Psalm 46:10. I love what this verse says, to spend time with the Lord in quietness, stillness, uninterrupted, undistracted. He brings us peace in this world where so much is chaotic and loud. Oh how I long to just hear from Him, how grateful I am that His Word tells me how to do that. I'm praying the same for you. Let Him encourage you and equip you for your day! Photo: