Faith Over Fear: My Living Kidney Donor Story
Introduction: The Weight of the Journey When you decide to pursue becoming a living kidney donor, the process is incredibly thorough—and rightfully so. Each phone call, each email with test results, carries a profound weight. You’re hopeful you can help, but you’re also keenly aware that you’re volunteering for major surgery. It’s a journey filled … Read more
Giving Thanks by Giving Life: How a Simple Choice Led to a Miracle
Honoring November’s Spirit of Gratitude To honor November’s spirit of gratitude, I’m looking back at my kidney donation story from nine years ago. It’s a powerful reminder of how much we truly have to be thankful for—not just for what we receive, but for what we’re able to give. This month, I’m sharing a four-part … Read more
The God Who Wants to Be Known: A Glimpse into His Heart
If you know me at all, you know I love Jesus—and I love His Word, the Bible. I’ve spent decades studying this great book, and still, every time I open it, I learn something new. Recently, I joined a Bible study on Ezekiel called An Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God’s Goodness Through Disappointment and Doubt. Yikes. … Read more
When Life Feels Heavy: Finding Peace Through Humility and Serving Others
There are seasons in life when even good things feel heavy. When you’ve done your best to simplify, slow down, and seek balance—but your soul still feels unsettled. I’ve been walking through one of those seasons lately. For the past year and a half, I’ve carried a quiet heaviness that’s hard to describe. It’s not … Read more
Best Travel Gear for Italy: What I Actually Used on My European Trip
If you’re planning a European adventure, you’re probably already wondering what to pack—and more importantly, what to leave behind. Packing the best travel gear for Italy is different from prepping for a weekend getaway. Between overnight flights, cobblestone streets, laundry dilemmas, and public transportation, smart packing can make or break your trip. When we set … Read more
Best Tours in Venice, Florence & Rome (Our 12-Day Italy Itinerary Highlights)
We couldn’t be happier with the tours we selected for our 12-day trip to Italy. By choosing some of the best tours in Venice, Florence, and Rome, we were able to experience the highlights of each city without wasting time in long lines or wondering what to see next. In fact, I actually planned our … Read more
How I Planned My 12-Day Italy Itinerary with ChatGPT
When I first sat down to plan a 12-day Italy itinerary with ChatGPT, I knew two things for sure: I’d be in Lake Como for our daughter’s wedding, and I’d fly home from Rome. Everything in between was a blank page. I had dreams of gondolas in Venice, art in Florence, wine in Tuscany, and … Read more
When Church Hurts: How to Heal from Gossip, Betrayal, and Disappointment
When I read about the church of the New Testament, I often think, “Wow, that must have been amazing!” Believers selling their possessions to help one another. Sharing meals in each other’s homes. Studying the Scriptures together. Serving the poor. A community marked by generosity, unity, and love. But even in the New Testament, we … Read more
How to Actually Build a Daily Prayer Habit That Sticks
Prayer. Not a formula. Not a checklist. Not just for mealtime or emergencies. For me, prayer is communication with God — and it has changed my life. Recently I was flipping through an old prayer journal — over 20 years old 😲 — and I couldn’t believe how desperate some of those entries were. I … Read more