• 4 Ways to Love God with Gusto (Part 2 of 2)

    In September, my church hosted a 5K to raise money and awareness for foster care. For those not familiar with running terms, that’s a little over 3 miles. Running didn’t come naturally to me, but now, it’s a lifestyle I’ve learned to enjoy. My fiancé, though athletic, hates running. But to his credit, he ran the race with me, adopted…

  • Cover Reveal & Black Friday Book Deals

    Here’s some bookish news I’m so thankful for and excited to share with you! Together with my publisher Write Integrity Press, I’m proud to present the official cover for The Reactionary, the final book in The Rogues trilogy, scheduled to release February 19, 2019. Click here to learn more about this thrilling conclusion to Portia’s story. Rock star graphic artist…

  • 4 Ways to Love God with Gusto (Part 1 of 2)

    One of my favorite books is called I Dare You by William Danforth, and in it, he challenges his readers to live what he calls “the four-square life.” Following Jesus’ example in Luke 2:52, he dares us to grow mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. And Jesus increased in wisdom (mentally) and stature (physically), and in favor with God (spiritually) and…

  • Choose Life’s Travel Companions Wisely

    The last few months have redefined epic adventure in my dictionary. From travel hacking Italy with a colleague to a surprise engagement trip in the mountains of North Carolina, I’ve been overwhelmed with God’s blessings and the people He’s placed in my life. However, there’s a difference between amazing people and iron-sharpening people. I’m grateful mine qualify as both, but as we’re…

  • My Personal Testimony: Life is a Gift

    Special thanks to Phyllis for inviting me to give my testimony on her blog Songs of Salvation! When she asked if I’d share, I realized that although you, my friends, get to know me through my stories and posts, I haven’t actually spelled out how and when God started working in my life. Today, my hope is that my testimony…

  • A Little Peace and Quiet

    Today’s post comes from my friend and author Ashley L. Jones of BigSisterKnows.com. She tackles the topic of stillness, something hard to find in today’s fast-paced world. I hope this post blesses you as it has me. Guest Post by Ashley L. Jones I’ve always had a sensitivity to noise, but it’s getting worse. I think that’s because the world…

  • Say Yes to New Adventures (Engagement Story)

    Dear friends, please celebrate with us! I’m so excited to share that my wonderful boyfriend James asked me to marry him, and I said yes. Here’s the story for all you romantics. Let’s take a road trip, he said. James has been going to Beech Mountain, North Carolina for years, and last winter, I went for the first time as…

  • Rice Krispies®, Chili Powder, and Rushing Ahead

    I was fighting a sweet tooth and since I’d made brownies the week before, Rice Krispies Treats™ seemed like a brilliant alternative. Besides, they’re basically instant gratification because they require only minutes to prep. After spreading the gooey goodness of Rice Krispies® cereal and buttery marshmallows in my cake pan, I reached into the cabinet for some sprinkles. Deliciousness is…

  • Do Small Things Greatly

    Life is full of small things, isn’t it? I don’t mean snails and sand fleas. No, I mean the small choices we make, like taking care of our bodies, and tasks we complete, like home and work responsibilities. Since “small” or seemingly routine, non-earth-shattering items construct the majority of our time, perhaps they aren’t so insignificant after all. Don’t get…