In Luke 10, Jesus is asked a seemingly spiritual question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” His answer leads us into one of His most powerful parables—the story of the Good Samaritan. But don’t let the familiarity of the tale rob it of its impact. Jesus wasn’t just telling a nice story; He was redefining what it means to live a compassionate life

Mother’s Day can stir up a beautiful mix of memories, hopes, and heartaches. For many, it’s a day filled with gratitude, hugs, and family gatherings. But for others, it’s a day that carries quiet grief, longing, or remembrance. No matter how this day finds you, I want you to know this: you are seen, loved, and not forgotten.

This post is a sacred pause to honor every kind of mother—because the depth of a mother’s love is not defined by circumstances, but by the heart behind it.

For many parents, the empty nest season arrives like a wave—sometimes expected, sometimes sudden, and almost always emotional. As children leave home to pursue their lives, many midlife parents are left with a lingering question: What now? The answer, dear friend, isn't the end of purpose—it's the beginning of transformation.

I’ve been a bit MIA lately—life’s been full, fun, and just a little bit crazy! We recently returned from a much-needed vacation (absolutely marvelous, by the way 🙌), and let’s just say, re-entry into “real life” came with a surprise.

Picture this: I step into the shower, ready to start my day, and the water is ice-cold. 😱 Not just a little chilly—cold enough to wake the neighbors.

Later, my husband took a peek in the basement and discovered the culprit: our water heater had sprung a leak.

Life after the kids move out and work ends can feel uncertain, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for reinvention. Instead of seeing this season as a loss, think of it as a new beginning—a time to craft a life filled with joy, freedom, and adventure. Every day can feel like a vacation when you design it with intention, purpose, and fun.

In both small groups that I’m a member of, we’re diving into Dutch Sheets' book, Intercessory Prayer. This is a deeply thought-provoking read that opens up a powerful understanding of how God utilizes prayer to enact change in our lives and the world around us.

Often underestimated, prayer is one of the most powerful tools available to believers. Prayer is a spiritual practice and a direct conduit to God's heart and transformative power. In his book Intercessory Prayer, Dutch Sheets unveils the profound truth that prayer is not just a conversation with God but a sacred partnership where we work alongside Him to manifest His will on earth. Through prayer, we are invited to partake in God's redemptive work, altering circumstances, shattering spiritual strongholds, and even reshaping the destiny of nations.

As winter tightens its grip on our local lake, a captivating sight never fails to draw me in: geese gliding gracefully over the frozen surface. Now resembling a vast glacier, the lake becomes a stage where these majestic birds perform their daily ballet. Observing them has given me profound insights into empty nest transformation, a journey many embark on as our children leave home.

Each year, I guide others through the One Word Workshop, a process designed to help them prayerfully choose a word that aligns with God’s direction for their lives. This year, my word is Abide—a call to remain steadfast in Christ, trust in His promises, and dwell in His presence. Through reflection, prayer, and intentional focus, I’ve embraced Abide as a guiding light in this season of change.

Life as an empty nester brings a whirlwind of emotions—excitement for newfound freedom, grief over a changing family dynamic, and uncertainty about what’s next. This transition, while challenging, is an invitation to deepen your faith and abide in God’s promises. The word abide carries profound meaning, especially in a Christian context. It means to remain, dwell, or stay steadfastly connected. From a biblical perspective, abiding refers to maintaining a close, enduring relationship with Christ. In John 15:4-5, Jesus says, “Abide in Me, and I in you… for apart from Me, you can do nothing.”