People sometimes ask what it’s like being married to a private investigator. The truth? It’s a mix of everyday life, unexpected detours, and more parking lot expertise than I ever expected to acquire. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few lessons worth sharing. Always keep your go‑bag stocked. When you’re on a stakeout it doesn’t matter how hungry you are or how close your phone’s battery power is to zero. Snacks (the quiet kind), a portable charger, a good book, sunglasses,

May I ask a personal question? How much rest (including sleep) do you get in a 24‑hour period? Some of you are probably thinking, “Rest? What’s that?” I hear ya. Not so long ago my philosophy was, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Have you ever thought that or maybe even said it out loud? It wasn’t that I thought the world couldn’t get along without me for 8 hours; it was something else entirely — my to‑do list. All my adult life, I’ve put more on my daily task list than

A cherished moment with my mom. If my mother were a character in a cozy mystery, she would have been one of those charmingly eccentric townspeople. In fact, Mom was so eccentric that my husband and I were married three years before I dared to bring him home to meet her. Yeah, you read that right. Three years. And when they finally met, my sweet man proved himself to be the prize I’d always thought. He asked genuine questions and nodded politely as Mom prattled on abou

Do you feel it? All around us the world is humming with activity — shopping lists and party plans, special gatherings, church services, and service opportunities — yet, December’s dreary days and cold, long nights beckon us to wrap up in a blanket of silence. For those of us who claim Christ, this season offers even more — a sacred invitation to step into the silence and discover God’s presence in the stillness. One of my favorite Scriptures brings a reminder that God often s

November has only just begun and already I find myself looking at recipes for Christmas treats, thinking about what gifts to give my loved ones, wondering when I should have my husband get decorations down from the attic, and contemplating inviting friends over for a special meal. While there is much joy in this season, let’s be honest: it can also be a bit stressful. In the midst of the hustle, it’s easy to forget why we’re preparing in the first place. I didn’t grow up i

Hey Friends, A song caught my ear last year, Seph Schlueter’s Counting My Blessings. Do you know it? You should. It has a simple...

My ladies group at church is reading a book I do not like. I won’t tell you the name of the book, but it’s a book of questions we...

Even before Halloween had come and gone, my local craft store was filled to the checkout stations with Christmas décor. I had entered...

If you ask my husband whether I’m a worrier he’ll answer, “Yes!” In fact, he would probably say that if Olympic medals were awarded for...

Have you heard the term “Hallmark holiday”? It refers to a holiday thought to exist for commercial purposes, rather than to commemorate...

As much as I love cooking at home, I also love going out to eat with my husband. More than a meal out, it’s a time for us to talk...

I don’t know how it happened, but when I was a kid, I became fascinated with guitar. More than anything, I wanted to learn to play. I...

My sweet husband and I just celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary. Of the many things I remember being excited about during that...

I’m married to a private eye, which comes in pretty handy with my mystery writing. Getting lost is my superpower. I’m serious. If we’re...