This is personal. I’ve lived the Fridays. I’ve waited through the Saturdays. I’ve felt the hope of Sunday. I bet you have too. I never tire of sharing this note. It’s truth. It’s encouragement. It’s hope. Please read it and then share it with two people you care about. People who need an extra dose of HOPE this week. ❤️❤️❤️ Hi. Scoot your chair a little closer. And if you’re in a comfy armchair and scooting isn‘t an option… lean in. Imagine that I’m talking softly - almost whispering. The kind of whisper a mama uses to soothe her Continue Reading
Life in Major and Minor Keys
Playing piano. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the whole world. Tickling the ivories, and sometimes pounding them, gives voice to my thoughts and emotions. When I sit down at the piano, especially when I’m playing for worship, it feels as if God is right there with me on the piano bench. His presence feels close. Real. Some of my most joyful piano memories come from big, meaningful moments — like touring years ago with Pastor Doug and Donna Fagerstrom and a group from Wooddale Church while performing The Witness. The music Continue Reading
Personal Note: Red-Letter Days Ahead!
It’s my birthday today—January 1—and there are only 31 more years until I’m 100! I did the math (with a bit of internet help, of course). That’s 11,323 days still waiting to be lived. Days filled with moments to be noticed and savored. A whole bunch of potential red-letter days. Oh, my. When you think about it like that, there are so many good moments, days, and years still ahead. And although I can often skate into optimism pretty quickly, I know there are going to be days it feels more like I’m wearing mukluks, trudging through nine Continue Reading
The Shepherds Got it Right
Grab a chair and slide it in close. Put a soft pillow on your lap so your arms can rest. Lean in. Imagine we’re sitting together in a quiet place with our slippers on, comfortable in the easy way friends are, while I gently remind you … God is good. And He’s got good things planned for you. Maybe those words make you feel a bit twitchy. Maybe you’re thinking, Hmmm… I must have stepped out of line when they were handing out good things. Because this doesn’t feel like your current situation, and you’re having trouble seeing good Continue Reading