Fudge reminds me of the Christmas season. My Grandma made it during the holidays, then my mom and now me. Some college women came over last week for a study break, (or maybe to just put off studying for exams) and we enjoyed talking, drinking cocoa and soaking in Christmas at the White House. While …
Author: Erin White
Three Elements of a “Discipleship Time” (How to use this time)
For some, being in a discipleship relationship seems daunting. I remember thinking that if I discipled or mentored someone I really needed to have my act together. On the other hand, I thought if I was “discipled” by someone then I needed to share all my dirt and I wasn’t so sure I was ready …
Is there a Secret to Contentment?
(Continuing the theme: “Things that can trip us up.”) Stacy was really smart — so smart she met with the teacher one-on-one. That was a challenge for me, who really wanted to be the smartest. I attributed it to the fact that she watched Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. Neither of which I was fond of, …
Loving Those in My Life Who Are Difficult to Love
Let’s get this out there — some people are just plain difficult to love. I hate to admit it. Yet, even if they move on, soon I find this person is replaced by another. I don’t know why, but I always seem to have one of these folks in my life. I had this roommate …
Trust for my Overwhelmed Heart
Feeling overwhelmed is common for this time of the year. When things feel out of control, I want a little more control, a little more certainty. I want the path to be clear. What is the answer? What feels a little out of control for you? Where do you want clarity or direction? At this …
Looking Outward
I like windows. (Stick with me for a minute and you will see how this applies right now!) Windows come in all sorts of shapes, styles and sizes. I especially like old wooden windows, with small panes, for they have character, and a story to tell. To me, windows speak of possibilities. You never know …
Rippling Grace to a Graceless World
The news continually brings the world’s burdens right to my hands as my fingers tap from story to story. I can go from extremes in my emotions from wanting to run to safety to being tempted to lash out in anger from all the injustice, evil, and biased media. There seems to be so little …
Four Timeless Things to Keep Coming Back to
Recently, I sat on a porch with five young women as I lead us in a retreat to really retreat. You know, to get away and be refreshed, not just to get away only to return home more tired than when you left. No, not that kind of retreat. I wanted the time to pour …
Why Love in Work Matters
Part 3 of “What is on focus for the summer?” — Summer. Each one looks different. One summer I worked at a dry cleaners, until I was held up at gun point. My parents told me I had to quit. There was a summer that I was hot, uncomfortable and pregnant. I sat in the shallow …
What am I lovin’? Turning the Love Around.
Part 2 of, “What is on focus for this summer?” — There are many things I love.. A lot of them are pretty good things, or neutral things. I love my husband and my boys, my family and friends. I love good coffee, period dramas, being outside, flowers growing, an easy bike-ride, chocolate chip …
Replacing those Unwanted Thoughts with Something New
Usually I have these high hopes for a really good summer: one that is fun, relaxing, meaningful, and full of good times as a family, doing hobbies, and even catching up on some things that need to be done around the house. It is easy to go into the summer kind of “mindless” and just …
A Fortress or a Church?
I had a picture in my mind of the Church. Well, it was more a picture of how the church might be perceived or experienced from outside the church. There are tall, impenetrable walls. There are no cracks, just strong, stout walls. And as I look up, it is stories tall — maybe six stories, …
Is the Effortless Life Really what I Want?
I love the idea of something being effortless. A, “I took no time to do this such-n-such a thing” sounds nice to me. Often social media gives this impression. I don’t want the the fussy, stiff and unapproachable. Living the Effortless Life Effortless Hair A few years back during prom and wedding season my hair …
Red, White, and Reconciled
How do you feel when you stop, really stop, and realize you have taken someone or something for granted — a relationship, a job, education, or even just food on the table? I don’t like it when I come to this place. Its value, influence or proper place in my life was lost. Some things …
The Mom and the International Summer Mission
You have said, “Yes,” as a mom to an international summer mission! You are beginning an exciting time of trusting the Lord in new ways. Even though you are committed, it’s normal to feel hesitant. You may feel a little stressed because you have no idea how the financial support will come in, what you …