A Girl, Her Teaching, and The Bible

This is a sponsored post that includes affiliate links. All opinions are mine (and my daughter’s).

One of the things I enjoy most about being a blogger is that I get to share my family with the world. When the kids were little, it was fun. Know that they are older, it’s still fun and funny, but it’s also heart-warming.

In all of their extra, rebellion, and emotion, they are also amazing. Every day they give me something to be in awe of. Every.single.day.

Especially when one of them is preparing to teach a bible lesson to her church youth group. Continue reading “A Girl, Her Teaching, and The Bible” →

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Your Secrets Are Safe With Me (Let’s Talk About GDPR)

All Twilli Media sites and email lists have updated terms of use and privacy policies.

Every once in a while, the Internet does strange things that make people like me panic and go absolutely crazy. Some are justified, some are not. Last week, a new law went into effect and it caused bloggers everywhere (including me) to panic and update our privacy policies.

And if that wasn’t enough, we then have to notify our readers that everything’s been updated. I did all my updating on May 24, 2018. You can now consider yourself officially notified.

The updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy will protect your privacy and adhere to GDPR, also know as the new privacy law in Europe. But Toni, I don’t live Europe. You don’t, but this little old blog does have a handful of readers in Europe, and I’m here for the internet safety of everyone in the whole wide world.

Yes, it’s that serious. Continue reading “Your Secrets Are Safe With Me (Let’s Talk About GDPR)” →

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As a Christian Single, I #DateDifferently

 

Two conversations with two different friends – one a man, the other a woman – held at two different times but were about the same topic. They both wanted to talk to me (of all people) about dating and the future and singlehood and the one and “How will we know?”

My answer was the same to all of the questions. “I have no clue.” In one case, I may have gotten even a little nervous and jumpy and asked, “Wait…what? You want to ask me my thoughts on dating? Really? Are you sure?”

Part of the reason I become uncomfortable talking about dating is I look at it completely differently than I did in the past. In total transparency, I look at it completely differently than a lot of my friends. My Christian friends.

It’s hard to navigate the world of dating in our over-sexualized, want-it-now, digital society.

When I become transparent about my thoughts on dating and think about the mistakes I’ve made in the past when it comes to dating, I realize that many of the single people I know are approaching dating through the societal lenses colored by movies and fairy tales.

In order for us to get different results, we have to have a different approach. Different actions require different thoughts.

Even when it feels like everyone we know is sleeping together, doing everything but sleeping together, living together, Netflix and chilling, and hooking up because it’s cuffing season. Continue reading “As a Christian Single, I #DateDifferently” →

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Three Simple Reasons I Celebrate Lent

 

Friends, why do conversations about religion have to be so….weird? Take this one, for instance.

“Toni, what is Lent?” It’s the season of preparation, fasting, and consecration of our hearts and minds during the 40 days preceding Easter. 

“I didn’t know you were Catholic.” I’m not, more than Catholics celebrate Lent.

“Like who?” Like Methodists. I was Methodist for about 15 years before I joined the church I’m at now. Lent is a thing in the Methodist Church.

“I don’t think you’re right, Toni. Only Catholics celebrate Lent.” I can also tell you that I grew up in a non-denominational church like the one I attend now. We celebrated Lent.

“No. You didn’t” Ummmm….okay. But I learned about it from somewhere and I think it was from my Mama.”

See what I mean about weird? Continue reading “Three Simple Reasons I Celebrate Lent” →

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Living in Community…Despite My Issues

I don’t need new friends.

I don’t want new friends.

I don’t even want to think about new friends.

I know, I am extrovert. I love people, and I get some of my best energy from those around me.

I’m also an only child.

I got used to being alone as a child.

I got used to doing things my way and being independent pretty early in life.

When I found my tribe, I was happy.

At the age of 45, that tribe is filled with absolutely amazing people.

They are totally amazing. From the college friends to sorority sisters to the people I befriended at the college where I began working at decades ago.

Again, they are amazing. All of them. And in all honesty, I don’t stay in touch with all of them as I should.

So on top of all of that, I don’t want to add to that group of already amazing people.

I don’t need new friends.

I don’t want new friends.

I don’t even want to think about new friends.

But God.

Continue reading “Living in Community…Despite My Issues” →

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