You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7, NLT We’ve had lean years in our family where we’ve opted to either make gifts or buy from thrift stores and garage sales. One [...]

I’m happy to reveal my latest book (that releases February 1st via Harvest House.) Here’s a link to pre-order Beautiful Battle. This book was born out of times in my life when I felt like I lived inside a Frank Peretti novel. Here’s the skinny about the book. (This is what you’ll read on the [...]

For those of you tired in your jobs, or frustrated that the dizziness of working 9-5 (and beyond) prevents you from seeing your kids or living your life, Justin’s story will inspire you. He started off living a dream, only to find out that dream didn’t hold what he wanted. I have a feeling there [...]

I always love meeting (at least by cyber means) successful, entrepreneurial women. A while back, I started reading The Inspired Room blog by Melissa Michaels. It rocks! I emailed her privately (cold turkey) and told her I loved her blog, and had she considered writing a book? Well, ta da! She has. It’s called Not [...]

Every once in awhile I hear a comment from a well meaning Christian who says, “I don’t read novels because they’re lies.” In one small sense, that person is right. Novels are fiction, made up stories. They are fabricated tales meant to woo, entertain, and help us understand our world better.

I have the privilege of introducing Cara Sexton to you. She and I will be attending the Relevant Conference next week, and we both feel privileged to do so. We both won a scholarship to go! If you browse around the Relevant 11 website, you may just want to come yourself! Well, next spring, Relevant [...]

Last year at this time, I was privileged to attend Cape Town 2010. It’s hard to believe a year has passed since this historic event where thousands of Christian leaders gathered to worship Jesus and encourage each other. I’m not the same Mary I was when I got on that plane bound for South Africa. [...]

Yesterday I received an email from a dear, dear man I met when Aidan and I ventured to Ghana four years ago. Pastor M loves Jesus. He spends His life sharing Jesus with kids around several villages, and as he does so, he sees all sorts of people come to Christ. He exudes Jesus. He [...]

I had the privilege this weekend to speak to the NorthPark Community Church’s women. As I prayed about what to say, God made it clear that I should tell my story, which I did. What a privilege to open up my heart (and a bit scary too) to those women! I talked about how we [...]

I’m grateful to share Erika Castiglione’s wise words with you today. I love her heart! This post about beauty reminds me of the post I wrote a few weeks ago about the same topic. … I don’t know if there is just something about approaching the 35th year of life or if it is because [...]