Tag: nicole j phillips

She’s 18. I can’t believe she’s 18. It’s like reading a book that has a Part 1 and a Part 2. We are reading the last chapter of Part 1 and are wondering what plot twists and new characters Part 2 will reveal.

I cried when I found out I was pregnant with a girl. Saul and I had tried to ... Read More


I slipped my hand into my husband’s and whispered, “You don’t need to say anything. Just stand here with me. I’m scared.”

He knew exactly what I was talking about. Despite being in a gym crowded with youthful basketball players and their excited parents and grandparents, it felt like it was just the two of us. A united front. Ready to ... Read More


I talked with Max the other day. You know, Max, right? Pastor, author, Fixer Upper alum. More than 154 million copies of his books sold globally. That Max.

Some people like to call him by his full name, Max Lucado, but I prefer to keep our relationship casual.

He asked me to send him some copies of my book, so I’ll probably ... Read More


I was a junior in high school when a teacher showed us a drawing that was clearly of a young woman looking over her shoulder.

“Look at it again” my teacher prompted. “Can you see the old woman?”

For the life of me I could not see that image from another perspective.

Situations in our lives can be the same.

It ... Read More


Have you ever wanted something? Of course you have. We all have. Little things, big things. A new journal, a trip to Fiji … you know, just the regular stuff.

I’m an over-the-top sort of person, so not only do I want things, but I want them twice. (That probably explains my former addictions. Bartender, make it a double!)

Someone asked me ... Read More


Sometimes I will be at the store, and know I’m supposed to buy something for someone, but I don’t know who. Or I’ll be packing for a trip, and I know I’m supposed to throw in a few extra books I’ve written but I don’t know why.

It’s always fun when I figure out the people who were meant to be ... Read More


What would your nine-year-old self think of you right now? Would the younger you be in awe that you even made it to __ years old? Would that youthful being say, “Way to go!” or “What the heck were you thinking?”

I know one thing: whether we are hitting life on the mark or need to readjust our aim, our younger ... Read More


Have you chosen a word for 2022? Is it Journey or Joy or Rest or Resilience? Are you wondering what I’m even talking about?

Lots of people pick a word each January as their foundation for the year ahead. It’s the thing they come back to in chaos; the place of growth or gratitude in which to return.

My word this year ... Read More


I woke up this morning and tried to think about something kind and heartfelt and inspiring to tell you. You know — maybe a little sappy and still in the Birth of Jesus spirit?

Yeah, no.

I just want to laugh. Full out peeing my pants laughter or a fit of giggles will do.

Maybe you do too! So today, I present ... Read More


Poor Dennis. He taught me how to play pickleball almost a year ago and then he had to go ahead and beat me four games in a row today. Or maybe it was five. I lost count.

As I packed up to go, he threw a ball in my bag. It wasn’t my ball. It was one that had gotten stepped ... Read More