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“Life is short.” We’ve all heard the expression, but when the message unexpectedly appeared before her eyes, it was nothing short of a divine encounter. As my dear friend Susan reached into her mother’s purse, these words jumped off the notecard tucked inside. She recognized the handwriting immediately. As she continued to read, emotions overcame her. Her beloved mom, who she affectionately referred to as “Moosie,” had just passed away. Now Susan stood alone in her parents’ h

It’s a new year and time for a new word. “Steadfast” was my word for 2019, and it served me well. This past year brought many hills and valleys, but despite the rough terrain I stayed the course and even grew – in my faith, patience, and especially trust in the Lord and His plan for me and my loved ones. While challenges will always remain, I didn’t ride the waves like in past years. Steadfast was a perfect word, not only to keep me steady but also to remind me of God’s love

Transitions. They happen throughout our lives. Leaving for school, securing that first job, marrying the love of our life, filing for divorce, adjusting to living on our own, becoming an empty nester, moving to a retirement community. While these seasons can be exciting they can also be unsettling because every transition ushers in change – the ending of one chapter and the beginning of another. Sometimes we don’t want our current chapter to end – especially when death or div

Summer? Where did it go? The answer seems to emerge through the same pattern each year. As the sizzling days of the season arrive with pool openings Memorial Day weekend, the extended school break stretches before us with not a care in the world. But by the end of June, the “Back to School” ads start rolling in as the Fourth of July barbecues heat up. Before we know it, school buses arrive and kids are carted off – to the glee of many exasperated parents. Others, not tied to

As an empty nester for five years, I was feeling very settled and had found my groove and new life. That is, until my son moved in after graduating from college. While I'm thrilled to have him back home, it's been a time of adjustment – for both of us. Tune in as I share some lessons learned that may help you in your times of transition. #BounceBack #MySonismyRoomate #TalesofOz #JulieOsborne #Julieosbornecom #Roomate #TalesofOzandToto #EmptyNester #KidsBackHome

He could have gone either way — his most trusted official or his queen? Based on recent events, most might have put their money on his official, not on the wife he hadn’t seen in 30 days. After all, she had a kingdom-size appeal, and she also hid a deep, dark secret. There was good reason for Queen Esther to be nervous. In this life and death situation, Esther needed wisdom, God’s wisdom, to devise the best approach. She fasted for three days and requested her people to do th

The sequence of events aligned perfectly as the story unfolded. Esther held her first banquet but did not reveal her request. That very night, the king couldn’t sleep and asked to review the records. His tired eyes happened to fall upon the story of Mordecai saving his life. The king then sought counsel on how to honor Mordecai, and Haman was coincidently waiting in the hallway. In response to the king, Haman unknowingly mastered a perfect plan of honor, but it was not for hi

I remember the first time I held him in my arms. As his sweet face stared back at mine, I couldn’t let go – there was just something about this frail 6-pound bundle of love. A new family member wasn’t on the radar that December day which, by the way, happened to be my birthday celebration. Only a Christmas tree was on the shopping list. But now, two and one-half years later, I realize that this unexpected birthday gift was the best one I have ever received. Despite my being c

How do we love people well with whom we disagree? Exes who skip out on child support, a co-worker who betrays you, a friend who abandons you after the divorce, a rebellious child who continues to ignore your advice and spirals out of control. Some people are difficult to love – especially those you don’t even like. But this week’s sermon gave us guidance in navigating these difficult situations. We were reminded that, “God loves the people that I don’t like,” pastor and autho