I sit at a desk in a house that isn’t mine, scribbling notes, giddy over the creative process. I’m in a charming airbnb, with creaky floors and doorknobs that remind me of the house I grew up.l in. And then a thought creeps in like a thief: “You’re pay… instagr.am/p/CpIkp_tpYhF/

Confession: I have a long history of wanting people to like me. I know I am not the only one. You’re not the only one either. We know better. We know our worth isn’t defined by flawless skin, narrow waists, report cards, and the approval that my Inst… instagr.am/p/CpK5AjBLHly/

She took her first steps at the back of a church. She’d gotten antsy in the seats, and that’s why I took her to the back. I set her down on her little feet, and she gripped each of my forefingers in her tiny fists. We walked that way for a while, and t… instagr.am/p/CpQCTi8MffW/

Today is a big day for me. The launch of Stuff I'd Only Tell God is beginning now! 🧡 The journal releases May 2, but there are tons of things happening behind the scenes to introduce this little orange book to the world. That's where you come in. … instagr.am/p/CpSlqPprJsE/

For years, I have been awed by the way that Crystal Paine (aka @themoneysavingmom) managed her time. I’d watch her on social media, juggling it all – work, a growing family, a vibrant faith life, exercise, friendships, reading. And I was, like, WHO… instagr.am/p/CpfX6cILP-i/

I used to drive all over the Midwest as a news reporter, asking questions so I could write my breaking-news stories. I was pretty good at it, and even got the nickname “Scoop Dukes” for my front-page scoops. 🤓 But as much as I loved asking OTHER peo… instagr.am/p/CpiEjBKL0ai/

Last week, some of my besties and I went to a class where we made pottery on a wheel. Our teacher gave us instructions, and he made it sound easy. Before I sat at my wheel, I scanned the shelves, looking for inspiration. A gorgeous fluted bowl caught m… instagr.am/p/Cpko31NrV9_/

Sometimes, you grow slow by growing LOW. Fruit grows in the valley, after all. instagr.am/p/CppwYQQromy/

I don’t remember a winter quite like the one we’ve had this year. The ground is so white outside the kitchen window, that sometimes I feel the need to wear sunglasses when peering through the glass. This winter has been one for the record books. Ov… instagr.am/p/Cpu6AJXM8ap/

I’m in Ohio, in a hotel exercise room, with a sturdy D-ring binder in my hand. Inside the binder, are talks I will be delivering at a retreat this week. In preparation, I practice my messages by walking them out on the treadmill. (Hi, I’m old-fashioned… instagr.am/p/Cpz8Oa8MhUV/

I am walking through a prayer labyrinth, first time in my life. I wouldn’t have a clue what to do, but our leader says not to overthink it. This wasn’t a maze to conquer but a way to walk. She says I shouldn’t be surprised when the path, circling inward… instagr.am/p/Cp5KAwgLAR-/