RESOURCES from 4word
Gaming is Giving
Recently, I heard from my friend Erin about a new endeavor that God had led her to. Knowing her heart, and seeing her dream come alive has been very exciting for me- so much so, that I asked her to share with you about the journey she has… Read More
How I Met God In Rome
A few weeks ago, my family and I spent some time together in Rome. My daughter Rose has been studying abroad there this semester and the rest of us joined her for Thanksgiving. Leading up to the trip I was excited to see Rose and be with my… Read More
But Mary Pondered
This time of year there’s a lot to be excited about. Especially if you’re a working mom like me, it’s easy to fill up your time with holiday preparations, decorations, family traditions, office parties, church events, and shopping trips. We’re all running on instinct at this point (well,… Read More
Home for the Holidays: Marrying In
Getting married is a lot about creating a new family with your spouse. A lot, but not all. It’s also about joining one (or more) existing families; families with unique history and traditions and cultures. Becoming part of a new family can be a great gift, but there… Read More
Mentoring Outside the Box
As a professional Christian woman who started 4word to minister specifically to professional Christian women, the most likely scope of my mentorship is pretty clear. Over the past few years though, I’ve had the unique experience of mentoring someone whose life looks almost nothing like mine. Nevertheless, I… Read More
Women, Ideas, and Solidarity; Notes From The 2013 4word Leadership Retreat
Even though I’ve been a Christian for about as long as I can remember, God never stops surprising me. I guess that's the way its supposed to be. A few weekends ago I had the distinct honor and pleasure of gathering with a group of amazing women to… Read More
Your Questions Answered: 5 Ways To Start Strong With a New Boss
This week I’m answering a question submitted by a 4word woman in Phoenix, Arizona: I just found out that I am being moved to a new department. It’s a good lateral move for me, but I will be working for a different boss. What advice can you give… Read More
Stress Less
One of the most important (and hardest) lessons I’ve learned in life is how to deal with stress. And by “deal with it,” I really mean “give it away.” Growing up, I was a very hard worker, and I was pretty smart; I rarely encountered a problem that… Read More
Balance Starts With You
One of the most common questions I hear from professional Christian women is: “how do I get more balance in my life?” Usually when women ask me that question, they’re looking for a to-do list. They say, “balance,” but what they really want is for me reveal how… Read More
The Story of 4word
A few weeks ago, I had the delightful opportunity to meet and be interviewed by the talented Amy Simpson of Christianity Today. We talked all about the story of 4word; about what it stands for and how it is growing and developing. Instead of my regular Monday blog… Read More
A Yellen Reputation
Last week the President announced that he planned to nominate Janet Yellen to Chair the Federal Reserve Bank. If approved, she’ll be the first woman to ever hold that post. Wow! There’s a lot being said and written about Ms. Yellen’s political and economic views, but what strikes… Read More
What Mom Taught Me About Beauty (And How To Pass It On)
A friend sent me a great video clip this week of a professional model named Cameron Russell, talking truth about her job and what it means (and doesn’t mean) to be considered beautiful. It’s really got me thinking about beauty and self image, and about confidence and insecurity.… Read More
How to Take a Break
God made us to work, but He also made us to rest. That first part I’m pretty good at, the second is a bit more challenging for me. What about you? How are you at taking a break? Do we even need breaks, really? YES. We do. We… Read More
Does the Church Know How To Love Childless Women?
I read a pair of articles this week that touch on this topic from two very different perspectives. One from a married woman in her 40s who has struggled with infertility, and one from an unmarried 28-year-old. Both present a rather stark picture of just how lonely and… Read More
How to Deal With An Office Drama Queen (or King)
We all know at least one—male or female—“drama queen.” I’m talking about someone who tends to react emotionally to situations and who may be prone to exaggeration or confrontation. They tend to be always worked up about something, and they want you to be worked up too. Even… Read More
I Believe in Angels
I have lots of “angel stories” that I could share. One that sticks out in my head happened when I lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was driving alone into town one night in the rain. I was going too fast and came to a four way stop, put… Read More
Love in a Time of Deadlines.
What happens to relationships when work must take center stage? When you’re balancing work, relationships, and faith, there will be times when one area of your life has to take precedence for a time. When a major work deadline requires investment of extra hours and energy, it can… Read More
Faith Powered Profession
I’m excited to tell you about a new book for Christian working women! “Faith Powered Profession,” by my friend (and 4word woman!) Elizabeth Knox, is a must read for any Christian woman in the marketplace, and I consider it the natural sequel to Work, Love, Pray. I first… Read More
Give Mommy Guilt A Time Out
If you’re a working mom like me, I can tell you a few things about yourself. First, you’re tired. I know. Me too! In each stage of my kids’ lives, I’ve thought that this would get better, that somehow once they got “just a little older,” I would… Read More
Getting To Gratitude
Over the last few weeks we’ve touched on gratitude and faith, and about taking gratitude to work. Now lets look at gratitude in relationships. At its core, gratitude is really all about relationships. As you acknowledge and express sincere gratitude to another person (or to God), you share… Read More