I wake up to the sound of my son’s alarm and the weight of a to-do list I never wrote.

There’s no champagne. No confetti. Just a limp backpack, a half-packed lunchbox, and a boy with a broken leg who needs help to the shower. I shuffle through the motions: walk the dog, toss laundry in the machine, feed everyone, including myself. Barely.

And somewhere in between the coffee and the crumbs, it hits me.

Today is launch day.

Imagine living in fear for twenty years. Your people are oppressed. Your land is broken. And it’s been a long time since anyone heard God speak. You try to survive, maybe even rebuild, but every time you begin to hope, the cycle starts again. All that remains is loss, silence, and defeat.

That was Israel under Canaanite rule...until the people cried out to the Lord. And in response, God raised up a woman named Deborah. She didn’t come with a sword, but with a word from the Lord.

What would you do if God Himself had rejected people like you? No way in. No hope of acceptance. No place among the people of God, because of where you came from, because of what your ancestors had done?

That was the fate of the Moabites. According to Deuteronomy 23:3-6, the Moabites were cursed and excluded from the assembly of the Lord because of how they treated Israel during the exodus: refusing them bread and water and hiring Balaam to curse them. They were outsiders. The forgotten. The condemned.

And Ruth was a Moabitess.

Motherhood doesn’t always look like we imagined. Sometimes it’s full of joy, but other times, it feels quiet, thankless, even unseen. But Mary, Mother of Jesus, shows us that a mother’s quiet faithfulness is never wasted.

She’s not just the young girl we picture at Christmas, she’s the woman who walked in obedience long after the angels were gone and the shepherds moved on. Though she didn’t have it easy, she didn’t seek fame. But she did have a willing heart. And God trusted her to carry His Son.

This Mother’s Day, I want to remember Mary the way Scripture shows her—not as flawless, but as a faithful woman who teaches us what real obedience looks like when life gets hard.

There’s one part of Mary Magdalene’s story that readers ask about more than any other.

It’s raw. Emotional. Spiritual.

And the Bible only gives us one line.

How do you tell that story—especially to kids?

On the morning the tomb stood empty, Jesus didn’t appear first to Peter, John, or even His mother. He appeared to Mary Magdalene. Why her? Was it a divine appointment, or her relentless devotion, that led to this world-changing moment? This powerful reflection explores how God’s sovereign choice and Mary’s wholehearted pursuit came together, and what it means for your own walk with Him today.

What could you possibly have in common with a demon-possessed woman from the 1st century? Turns out, a lot. Mary Magdalene’s story isn’t just about the past. It’s a powerful picture of healing, devotion, and bold witness that still speaks today. Her journey might just reframe how you see your own.

Read the full post and see what her story could mean for you.

Ever wondered where realistic Bible stories fit in today's world of children's books? From prayer walks to published pages, discover how God led me to create something unique: Bible stories that help children see biblical characters as real people who walked with God. Through realistic illustrations and memorable rhymes, these books bring Scripture to life in a way that helps kids understand these aren't just stories. They're true accounts of real people who trusted and obeyed God. Perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone wanting to instill biblical truth in young hearts!

During my quiet time with the Lord this week, I opened my journal and started writing, as I often do. What flowed wasn't a polished poem or carefully crafted piece. It was just what I felt God speaking to my heart. As my dog licked up my tears (gotta love him!), I knew I needed to check everything against Scripture. Soon I found that these simple words contained 7 attributes of God's love, each one backed by His Word. Learn about these seven beautiful attributes of God's love through an intimate love letter straight from His heart, along with biblical insights and reflections that will transform your understanding of God’s love.

Looking for the secret to living a fulfilling Christian life? Through the study of biblical characters in my children's books, God highlighted a surprisingly simple yet profound pattern. Learn how these two basic principles are key to walking in God's purpose for your life.

Ever feel like you're white-knuckling the steering wheel of life? In my latest blog post, I'm sharing what God taught me about trust through a recent message I shared with my connect group. Turns out there's a reason why "Trust in the Lord" is more than just a nice verse for birthday cards - it's the key to finding true peace. Come join the conversation about letting go and letting God take the wheel.

Ever wondered what true courage looks like? In my latest blog post, I'm diving deep into Queen Esther's story - beyond her famous beauty to discover a woman of incredible strategy and strength. From orphan to queen to savior of her people, Esther's journey reminds us that God equips us with exactly what we need for our calling. Join me in exploring how this remarkable woman changed history through her courage, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

"Let it be to me according to your word." These words from a teenage girl in Nazareth changed history forever. This Christmas season, find out how Mary's extraordinary courage and faith speak to our own journey of trusting God with the impossible.

Speaking up can be the hardest thing we do. Queen Esther knew this better than anyone—risking everything to save her people. This blog post explores her story of quiet bravery, unwavering trust in God, and what it means to step forward when it matters most.

I've spent months studying the biblical account of Ruth while researching for my new book. Ruth's story of kindness, loyalty, and diligence, even in the face of grief and uncertainty, reveals profound lessons for us today. Her unwavering faith and selfless acts paved the way for God's abundant blessings, turning her sorrow into joy beyond measure. This post explores Ruth's journey and how she became a part of Christ's lineage.

In today's culture, phrases like "Treat yourself" and "Follow your heart" are all about focusing on yourself. But as Christians, our purpose is to glorify God in everything we do. From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, our actions, thoughts, and decisions should reflect Him and show others the way to Him. Find out how to align your daily life with God's plan, embrace the peace and joy that come from living for Christ, and learn practical steps to keep Christ at the center of everything you do. Let's live a life centered around Christ in a world that often prioritizes self-centeredness.

Your greatest desire is seeing your child love God and become a follower of Jesus. But in a world that seems to mock God at every turn, guiding their spiritual journey feels like an uphill battle. Fear not! I’ve packed this post with practical, Bible-based strategies to help make your home a place that nurtures your child’s faith. We’ll talk about things like the power of living out an authentic relationship with Christ, simple ways to mix in God's Word into your day, and how to handle their questions and doubts.

From time to time, all believers go through spiritual dry spells. In this post, we explore the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual life and share practical tips for rekindling your passion for God. Discover how to overcome spiritual dry spells by prioritizing spiritual disciplines, seeking support from fellow believers, and living with an eternal perspective. Embrace the journey of spiritual renewal and experience the abundant life that Jesus promises to those who follow Him.

Does simply praying for your kids seem passive or ineffective? This post reveals how a parent's prayers unleash God's active protection, wisdom, and purpose over their children's lives. Learn how entrusting your children fully to Christ frees you from worry. Discover practical tips for praying Scripture consistently, crying out for guidance, and trusting God amid uncertainty. Whether your kids are undergoing trials or thriving, your prayers invoke the Almighty hand of the Lord, who works wonders in response to your persistent petitions.

Amid shortened attention spans, how can today's parents cultivate focused bonding and literacy in their kids? This post reveals how a simple story time routine builds an unbreakable parent-child connection that withstands the digital age. Learn how to leverage story time to imprint faith, imagination, empathy, and a lifelong love of reading. Discover tips for sustaining this cherished tradition from infancy through the teen years. More than just reading skills, story time gives children comfort, acceptance, vision and nurturing. Fellow parents, our opportunity to shape little hearts through books is fleeting but profoundly rewarding when utilized well.