The Disappointing Parachute (New Podcast Episode)

LauraExpect Something Beautiful Podcast, Faith

This story makes me pause and ask the Lord if I am trusting in anything that will ultimately let me down? Am I counting on something as empty as modern technology? Am I putting all of my hope in circumstances, connections, health care plans, good works, my family, my bank account, my politics?  I wonder if I’m about to make … Read More

Look up! (New Podcast Episode)

LauraExpect Something Beautiful Podcast, Faith

Back in high school, my cross-country coach would pop up in the most unexpected places along the race route. Maybe I’d be facing the steepest hill on the course or in the middle of a long stretch in the blazing sun, or on a particularly rocky trail in the middle of the woods or sprinting to the finish line – … Read More

Having a Catch (new podcast episode)

LauraAll Posts, Expect Something Beautiful Podcast, Faith, Stillbirth

If you are feeling distraught, if you are at the end of your rope, if you are discouraged, feeling empty, even bitter; this episode is especially for you.  In those moments when we can’t wrangle our emotions to line up with the truth of God’s Word, we can at least grab a hold of God’s truth and play it over … Read More

Hope for the woman who hates men

LauraAll Posts, Expect Something Beautiful Podcast, Faith, Marriage

Have you ever said, “I hate men”? You’re not alone. A lot of women say it. I’ve said it. For every woman who says it, there is a unique reason why. And there’s a personal invitation from her Creator to be healed, strengthened, and empowered with love. I used to say, “I hate men,” but I don’t anymore. Here’s why. … Read More

The Art of “Ending Well” (And a new podcast episode!)

LauraAll Posts, Christianity, Faith

Oh, do I have a good laugh for you today… What began as an embarrassing moment (one I, too, can laugh about now) launched me into a season of pondering the importance of “ending well”. I share some of my thoughts – and the embarrassing moment, of course – in this week’s Expect Something Beautiful podcast episode. To hear the … Read More

How involved should a parent be??

LauraCharacter Training, Early Elementary Education, Faith, Motherhood

If you’ve ever hovered over your child too much, you’re not alone. 🙂 It’s easy to be a Helicopter Parent. We just love our kids so much and want them to do well in life. But when we’re too over-protective, we quickly discover the negative side-effects of our well-intentioned hovering. Suddenly, we want to steer our propellers up, up, and … Read More

How to live like “words matter”.

LauraBible Study, Christianity, Faith

Have you had a frustrating conversation lately? You know, the kind of conversation with a friend over social media, or with a sibling over the phone, or your spouse across the table in which you are both speaking English, but things are going so miserably that it’s as if you are speaking two different languages. You’re arguing over words and … Read More

What if We Expected God to Do Something Beautiful?

LauraDiscipleship, Faith

On June 23, 2013, Nik Wallenda set out to cross the Little Colorado River Gorge near Grand Canyon National Park on a tightrope. My husband and I were watching it from home. I was sitting on the couch in my bathrobe. The camera panned out to reveal the breathtaking depth of the canyon and the daunting length of the wire … Read More

The Heartbeat of My Social Media Addiction

LauraFaith, Healthy Living

I sat down for my morning devotions with the Lord, opened my Bible, and immediately heard a “ding” on my phone alerting me that I had received an email. My mind began the well-rehearsed inner dialogue that goes on whenever my prayers or Bible reading is interrupted by social media. It can wait. You’re here to worship God. But what … Read More

Host A Christian Passover Celebration with Children (Download Your Free Guidebook!)

LauraDiscipleship, Faith, Holidays, Motherhood

Passover is my favorite holiday. Passover is the traditional Jewish meal that Jesus was celebrating with his disciples the night he was betrayed. Biblical scholars believe it was during this Passover meal that Jesus instituted our beloved Communion Meal and said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” (You can read about it in Matthew 26 and Luke 22.) We celebrate … Read More