I wrote a book about biblical joy, entitled Everyday Prayers for Joy. I’ve also battled depression. Am I a hypocrite? Well, I’m sure there have been times when I have not “practiced what I preach,” but I do believe that depression and biblical joy can coexist. There are seasons when I find myself feeling exhausted…

It’s late in the afternoon and I am busily preparing dinner.  The kitchen window is open. We’ve been given a spring-like day in the middle of winter and the fresh air has filled the room, pleasantly  mixing  with the aroma of  dinner cooking in the oven.  Breaded chicken breast smothered in tangy Italian sauce and…

My husband and I are members of a wonderful church plant that is located right in the middle of inner-city Baltimore. It was not our intent to become a part of a church in the city, but we had been looking for a church for a while, so when some good friends invited us to…

He walks through the front door and finds me slumped on the couch, watching a movie.  Closing the door behind him, he asks, “Is there anything to eat?”  “I don’t know…” I mumble… “I already ate.” I continue watching my movie. He is left to fend for himself. He walks into the kitchen and grabs a…

So many hopes and dreams. They started as small seeds planted. Anticipating. Dreaming. Praying…almost losing hope. Now I am older and they are still there…those dreams. Yes. They are still there. Some have come to fruition, some are in process.Confusion sometimes enters in, then the dreams seem distorted and out of place. A storm swirling,…

I’ve always loved the holiday season – or at least I’ve loved the idea of it! I get wrapped up in the ideal and allow the commercialization of the season to create a picture of what I want things to look like. I clean and decorate my home, look for festive recipes, search for the…