Love… One Sip At A Time // A Valentine Tea Party
I started hosting tea parties in an older home propped as pretty as you please on the corner of a quiet street. A family of four in a two-bedroom, one-bath home made for a tight fit, and tea parties felt downright snug, but no one would change a thing. Some teas were scripture-based, and others celebrated holidays, but every time, the room filled with the scent of scones, floral tea, and...
Judging by the Seeds, Not the Harvest
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” -Robert Louis Stevenson You may have read in past posts how some of my friends, who just happen to be writers, have taken a local waitress under their wings. From all indications, she does not have a personal relationship with Christ, but of course, only the Lord knows. We’ve loved on her with generous tips,...
When Pride is a Good Thing
(prd) n. Pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, possession, or association The word “pride” sends shivers down my spine. I’ve never liked it, thanks to parents and grandparents who raised me to never shine the spotlight on myself — but on others — and with a family like this, I have many reasons to direct the spotlight in their direction. First,...
Top 10 Reasons Why I Look Forward to BRMCWC
Attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is rewarding in countless ways, but here are my top ten: Group times, key note speakers. Mornings and evenings bring times of refreshment through music and words of encouragement. Informative classes. Sitting in a room with like-minded people who are eager to learn is contagious. Add a speaker who is passionate about sharing...
Tucked Beneath A Thousand Excuses
After seeing pictures of my yard in past posts, some have shared how they’d love to stop by for a tour. But if they did, they would be sorely disappointed. Yes, there are pockets of cottage charm here and there, but lurking around every corner are crowded beds, unruly wisteria, and planters filled with crispy bygones from last fall. For sanity’s sake, let’s just say they’re not, well,...
Friday Fave – Extended Family
As Piper and I chatted today about her first beach trip in May, I couldn’t help but recall the memorable moments from my own childhood trips to the sand and the sea. Growing up, our entire family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—would rent a large beachfront house in Garden City SC. It was perfect for my grandfather, whose favorite pastime was rocking on the back screened porch,...
Spiritual Pre-Mastication
It’s no surprise that Alicia Silverstone’s video of pre-chewing her 10 month old’s son’s food, known as pre-mastication, went viral last week. For most of us, the thought of transferring food from our mouth to our child’s, like a mother bird, makes us cringe a bit. Many of us would never consider trying it. Yet, when it comes to our spiritual walk, we may find it...