Thoughtful Thursdays
Musings on faith, family, & fiction
Though a novelist by trade, one of the trademarks of my books is the spiritual depth and exploration I includes as my characters work through what it really means to walk out their faith. Faith, in fact, is one of the things I like to ponder most. In these once-a-week articles, I gets thoughtful at the crossroads of faith, family, and fiction.
2026 P&P Retreat Recap
I just got back from the 2026 P&P Creative Retreat, and it was such fun!
Hope without a Deadline
I’m someone who works well under a deadline. But when something doesn’t have that end date, the finish line? How do we hold onto hope when there’s no end in sight?
Workers in the Vineyard
In the parable of the vineyard, Jesus invites us to redefine what is fair…and to wonder which workers we are.
Keep Moving
When life is just “too much,” sometimes our first instinct is to stop. But there’s value in moving, especially when it’s the last thing we want to do.
New Every Morning
A beachy illustration of our Lord, whose mercies are new every morning.
The Dim Mirror
Lessons on eternity from a imperfect phone camera
Receiving His Gifts
So often we’d rather pray for a change in circumstances than to receive what the Lord gives us with open hearts and open hands.
ACFW in Review
My reflections on my first ACFW National conference in many years.
A Triune Love
My reflections on my first ACFW National conference in many years.
Idols
What exactly are idols…and why exactly are they dangerous?
43 in Review and now 44
With my 44th birthday upon me, I reflect on the year past.
Announcing My Next WW2 Books!
I’m excited to announce that I’ve signed with Tyndale for 3 more full length WW2 romances, plus a Christmas novella!
Emotional Roller Coasters and Too Close to Home
The cancer journey continues on its roller coaster of emotions…as does my storytelling
Labels
Labels have their place and purpose…and they also have their downsides.
What Comes from Doubt
We know the apostle Thomas as the Doubter…but he also made the most amazing proclamation of faith.
Title Reveal!
Ready to learn the title of my next World War 2 historical romance?
Fathomed Cover Reveal!
Time to see the cover for FATHOMED: THE AWAKENED MER NOVELLAS!
25 Years
My husband and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary this week!
Gravity
What is a “Gravity” issue?
Jealous
Sometimes the things we’re jealous of can be quite revealing…
Is Saying No a Virtue?
Why does saying “No” always feel virtuous…even when it isn’t?
Death in Christian Fiction
Sometimes we get so mad when characters die…but sometimes we need a reminder of deeper truths.
My AI Policy
Here’s how I do–and do not–use AI.
Health Update April 2026
It’s been a while, so here’s the official update on my most recent cancer treatment journey
The Images of Ourselves
Does who you see in the mirror reflect who you feel like?
My Very Very Very First Book
Wanna see the very first book I wrote at age 7?
A Holy Week of Suffering
This isn’t the Triduum I want…but is it the one I need?
Agree to Disagree?
Why I hate the phrase “agree to disagree.”
The Romance in My Romantasy Books
Do you process through tears? I never used to…
On Broken Vessels in Leadership
Our leaders are always “broken vessels”…so what does that excuse–or not?
Who Should Help the Poor?
Who does the Bible say should help the poor? Church or State? Is it exclusive?
Is America a Christian Nation?
I don’t think anyone could argue against the assertion that America’s foundational documents are greatly informed by Christian principles…but are we truly a Christian nation?
The 4 Gs of Real Conversation
If you want to make actual connections and foster REAL conversation, remember these four things.
A Time to Speak
It’s time for me to speak about the current situation in the United States. And to invite you into the dialogue.
Why I Feel Betrayed
Explaining my own relationship with modern politics and my political party.
A Soft Answer
A soft answer really does turn away wrath–and one that seeks to understand rather than be understood can make new friends. I can prove it.
A Logical Fallacy Toolkit
Ever sense an argument is wrong or manipulative, but you can’t put your finger on why? Maybe this will help.
Why Now?
Should I be worrying about these things while I’m fighting cancer?
Health Update Post Infusion 1
I’m two weeks out of my first infusion, so here’s my update.
Given to Tears
Do you process through tears? I never used to…
Four Years of Patrons and Peers!
Patrons & Peers is entering its fifth year…and I am in awe of the community we’ve built together.
2026 Word of the Year – WORD
A little too on the nose? Who chooses “WORD” as their “Word of the Year”? Yeah…me. Come and see why.
2025 Word of the Year Reflection – Choose (and Chosen)
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time for me to reflect on the Word of the Year I’d chosen and how it played out in my life: Choose (and Chosen).
Here Is the Christ Child
In the busyness of Christmas, look for Jesus in…
My Characters on Stage!
What it was like to see Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor on the stage!
On His Will and Our Ill
Does God ever will a person’s illness?
The Health Update
My health update for December 2025.
Give Thanks in…
In all circumstances, we’re called to give thanks.
Strange Timing
When God is at work, sometimes the strangest coincidences happen, even in the writing life of an author.
In His Hand
A funny thing happens when we put ourselves in God’s hands…