24 years ago I took ONE brave step. I was at the Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference, and I’d taken a workshop on article writing. I’d attended the conference wanting to write a novel, but article writing intrigued me. I jotted down a few ideas for articles, but didn’t think much of it. Then, the next… [Continue Reading]
articles and blogs
How to Balance a Busy Writing Schedule and a Busy Life
I’m a wife, homeschooling mom to ten kids (yes 10!) and best-selling author. I’ve had 60+ books published, and I lead a Teen Mom support group in inner-city Little Rock. The number one thing I’m asked by others is, “How do you do it all?” If you were to see the piles on my… [Continue Reading]
‘Always Faithful’ WWII Marines Meet Again
Today is National Medal of Honor day so I wanted to share a story my friend Connie Pettersen sent me. She is a freelance writer for a local newspaper in Aitkin, MN and wrote this amazing story about two World War II Marines. Enjoy! Two Marines from WWII were reunited on April 16th at Villa… [Continue Reading]
How to stop your child’s angry cycle
The flash of anger in my tween daughter’s eyes surprised me. We’d been camping, and Maddie’s 6-year-old sister, Aly, had just burned her finger on hot ash. As I treat the wound, Maddie strode up. “I hurt myself, too,” she said, with attitude. “Last night when we were making S’mores.” “Hold on,” I said. As… [Continue Reading]
10 Ways to Make Your Home a Place of Healing For Kids From Foster Care
John and I opened our home to foster care and adoption with a lot of hope and little knowledge of what the reality would look like. As a mom trying to help these kids heal, I learned a lot about children, trauma, myself, our mutual needs, and healing. Out of everything I’ve learned, the… [Continue Reading]
Top Blog Posts from 2016
The year is coming to a close and what a year it has been! To reflect on the year, I’ve compiled your favorite posts from 2016 below. Thank you for all your support and encouragement throughout the year!! Why Coloring isn’t Just for Kids! Kids are on to something and grownup are just starting to catch on …… [Continue Reading]
An Ode to Fall, a Poem
Happy first day of fall! Here’s a beautiful poem about autumn from my friend Charlotte Adelsperger. I hope you enjoy it! Prayerfully I Walk Time alone in an autumn wood, I stroll on a mosaic carpet of moist multicolored leaves– rust brown, yellow, crimson. I ponder the deep red patches, scattered every step of my… [Continue Reading]
A Few of My Favorite Blogs
I don’t know about you, but I love blogs. I love the nuggets of advice and inspiration I get every day from people I know, love and trust! So where do I turn to when I need inspiration? This isn’t an exclusive list, but it’s a good one. The best part is I consider all… [Continue Reading]
Interviewing Tips for Nonfiction {Plus FREE Printable!}
I’ve been honored over the years to interview hundreds of people for articles, blogs, and books! A few of my non-fiction projects are Teen Mom, You’re Stronger Than You Think, Life, In Spite of Me and Plain Faith. Throughout the years I’ve learned how to create a better interview—one that will make the subject comfortable and… [Continue Reading]
How to Work from Home, Eternally Impact Your Kids, and Get Paid to Inspire a Generation
How to Work from Home, Eternally Impact Your Kids, and Get Paid to Inspire a Generation You have a dream . . . and more than anything you wish it could happen. You’ve never wanted to see yourself on the silver screen or to become a millionaire by age thirty. Instead, all you wanted… [Continue Reading]
Don’t Miss Your Kids in All Your “God Projects”
Don’t Miss Your Kids in All Your “God Projects” I’m a project person. I like lists to check off and gold stars (even if they are imagined) placed on my jobs that are well done. As an author I like to type “The End”at the completion of my novels. As a Teen MOPS (Mothers… [Continue Reading]