The Fringe Hours {book review}

I mentioned a few weeks ago how much I love my journaling Bible. I really do. I'm not particularly artistic but I am enjoying learning to do hand lettering and to use Scripture to form my own brand of art. It's becoming one of those releases for me ... a time when I am both challenged and inspired. And I love doing it. {I actually have sold a few of my prints ... who knew??} There is something equally relaxing and stimulating about taking time to do something I love. Whether the something is ... [Read More]

Keep. It. Shut. {Asking God to Do the Hard Things in Us}

First off, I need to admit something: I adore Karen Ehman. In fact, I might even be a little awestruck by her. She is energetic, entertaining, and everything she writes makes me feel like she’s been reading my prayer journal. Seriously, this woman seems to know me. Last summer I got to meet her. {I failed to get my picture made with her because I am, as you all already know, a total dork.} Karen so graciously invited me to share with the advanced speakers at She Speaks. And, in a very Teri ... [Read More]

Fight Back with Joy

We're just 12 days into 2015 and I’ve already faced a couple of very hard situations. Both reduced me to tears and felt like sucker punches to my heart.  Immediately I started replaying the list of the ways I don’t measure up, the ways I’ve failed, the ways I’m not good enough, not loving enough … just not enough. {Please say sometimes you deal with all those feelings too?} I’d promised myself I’d face this year with a new outlook … that 2015 would be the year I’d chase joy. I just didn’t ... [Read More]

Learning to Love Well

For the record, 42-year-olds are really not meant for dorm life. At least not this 42-year-old. In case you missed all the photos on Instagram, I spent nearly two weeks with my girl at cheer camp and then youth camp. I should also mention this 42-year-old is really not meant to spend that much time away from home. :) I'm so glad I went with her — those long conversations and belly laughs in the car as we drove from one camp to the other were worth far more than the lack of sleep. {And the ... [Read More]

When Life Brings the Unexpected

Life often brings us the unexpected. We face situations and experiences that don't make sense. Healthy people get sick out of the blue. Long-term jobs are eliminated. Well-behaved children make crazy choices. Tornadoes destroy cities and families.   Life isn't fair. And some days, it feels particularly unfair. I've been reading Tricia Goyer's book, Plain Faith, and I love the story of Ora Jay and Irene and their journey toward hope.  The book arrived the same day I got out of ... [Read More]

Do Small Things Matter for Eternity? {Rhinestone Jesus Book Review}

Sometimes I wonder if what I do really matters. I'm a wife and a mom. I write blog posts and newspaper columns. I do laundry and give the dog baths. I teach a weekly Bible study. I consult with small businesses and help develop social media strategies.  And I read a lot of books. My life is pretty small. I don't say that disparagingly or with any shame. I have a great life — a husband who loves me, a daughter who brings us so much joy, an encouraging family, the best friends, an awesome ... [Read More]