Category: Holidays

Dear 2023: A Message for the Year Ahead

2023, I realize that you may hold a million new opportunities. Oh, how I hope so. I could meet an amazing guy, fall in love, and get married. A huge book publisher could reach out to me and ask me to write a new book. Podcasters, bloggers, authors, speakers, and other influential individuals from around the world could invite me to share my story for their audiences. I should be hopeful about your arrival, not scared. So why can’t I seem to shake this fear?

To the Girl Who’s Lacking the Christmas Feels

When I started to make the challenging transition from childhood to adulthood, I also started to feel angsty at Christmastime. I wanted Christmas to be a happy holiday, but that didn’t feel possible anymore. Nothing felt the same as it had felt when I was a little kid—giddy to buy gifts, make gifts, and (without a doubt) get gifts. What happened to all those Christmas feels that I had when I was a kid?

A Thanksgiving Message from TTT

Normally, this is the day that I would post a written encouragement to you about celebrating Thanksgiving (even if it's hard to celebrate this year, even if you don't feel like expressing gratitude, etc.). But to spice up your Thanksgiving week (*inert chuckle at my attempt to be punny*), I wanted to share this 90-second video with you in preparation of this holiday. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

When Sparks Fly

For the 4th of July, I decided to write a romantic poem (ooh la la, right?) instead of writing about freedom or patriotism. While I definitely hope that your day is filled with patriotism and freedom regardless of what your relationship status is, this poem specifically goes out to my single ladies who are facing the holiday alone. Wave one of those sparklers for me and relish the fact that even if you feel alone, you're not alone. Happy Independence Day (ba-dum-ch!).

5 Easter Tradition Ideas

While there’s nothing wrong with having a tradition-less Easter holiday, I think the fact that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave to conquer death is worth celebrating! And we celebrate well with traditions in place, don’t we? (I believe that we also find great comfort in traditions.) If you’re interested in starting a new tradition this Easter, I hope that you consider these five ideas.

When You Know You’ve Failed God

Sure, I said a couple quick prayers of panic. But instead of placing my trust in the Lord—that He would do whatever was best for me in this situation—I worried. I directly disobeyed Jesus’ command not to worry from Matthew 6 and Luke 12.  I knew that Jesus wanted me to be faithful with what He had given me—a difficult scenario with the option to either worry or trust Him. And I failed Him.

To the Girl Who’s Dreading Christmas

If you think you’re the only one who can’t find the Christmas spirit—at least, the Christmas spirit that's described in Hallmark movies and pop songs—know that you're not. This time of year is emotionally challenging for many, many people. Still, no matter how you feel this Christmas, the truth hasn't changed.

I’m Thankful for You

My blog is fueled by encouraging words like Mary’s. In fact, my writing in general is fueled by encouraging words like Mary’s. Without supportive family members, friends, and acquaintances, I wouldn’t be writing anymore. I probably would’ve given up on writing a long time ago. I’m a firm believer that encouragement is three very important things.

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