Embracing ideals that matter always comes with a cost, and yet, the giving of our rights and expectations to serve God and to follow His will is always worth it. God's ways change us, deepen our faith, build humility, teach us the value of love and perseverance and of course deepen our appreciation for the life and model of Christ.

Sometimes we don't realize how much life and duty have drained us and how much we need filling. But it isn't the activities, "things" or accomplishments we need—it is the real live moments of relationship and loving one another well, to be heard, to feel close and understood that create the type of relationship we all long for.

Today, after a series of unexpected adventures and plans, Joy and I had the opportunity to visit this amazing historical home where part of one of our favorite film series was filmed. Join me today to hear our story. What a day of deep delight and whimsy as we spent hours exploring this wonderful place.

On my podcast today, I tell a story of when grumpy mama me had to retreat from a bad attitude so that I could fully enjoy a precious moment to experience joy and laughter with my young children.

The changing weather whispers, "change is coming, your days are shorter than they used to be." With each leaf swirling delicately toward the ground, are reminders that we all have limitations to the story we live in life, I see the autumn more clearly than ever before.

Join me today on my podcast as I pursue joy in the darkness.

We cannot please God unless we cultivate a heart that wants to obey Him. It is not about being religious, works oriented, or "churchy." It is having a heart to ponder His words, stories, ways that He dealt with people, and then do what we can to obey His heart lessons.

Join me today on my new podcast about trusting God for His work in our life.

The Holy Spirit patiently taught me to keep working. I can see I was not always self-controlled. I learned little by little, one step at a time. It was not a part of my character at first, but it was my spiritual worship of God, to love Him, to make Him known.

The more we experience His gentleness in the depths of our hearts, where fears, selfishness and anxiety live, the more we will be able to exhibit the gentleness of Christ to those surrounding us. Our children, husband, friends, long for gentleness as our response.