Sometimes truth shows up where you least expect it.
We could all use a minute – a minute to put up our feet, a minute to watch another episode or read another chapter, a minute to breathe. And that’s okay. Taking time to rest and enjoy yourself isn’t something to feel guilty about. And the truth is that show or that book might just have something holy to teach us.
I’m Mary, and I’m so glad you’re here. Welcome to a guilt-free corner of the internet where you can kick off your shoes, get comfy, and have a little fun. We’re going to talk about our favorite TV shows and movies, our book boyfriends and secret playlists, and anything else that reminds us about who we are, what’s most important, and even God.
Connecting the dots between everyday life and the Word of God makes my heart beat fast as I am convicted or comforted, encouraged or inspired – and I love nothing more than sharing those connections with friends like you. Plus, sometimes I just love a good list or recipe or movie review. If any of that sounds like your cup of tea (or coffee), stick around. We’re going to have fun!
The 15 Books That Have Changed My Life (So Far)
Can a book change your life? This is a question I asked in episode 88 of The Couch Podcast. In a conversation with my friend Shannan Martin, we decided that we think yes, books can change our lives. But sometimes they change our lives for a season and sometimes they change them forever. Sometimes they change our hearts but it takes a few more steps or resources or years before our lives are tangibly changed. Here’s a longer list of books that have changed my life (so far).
I didn’t get WandaVision. Until I did.
I’m not the first person to experience, acknowledge, or share about the “pandemic wall.” So many of us are hitting it was we face the one-year anniversary of when our world changed forever. This isn’t unique to me or to you. But that doesn’t make it any less real than the glimpses Wanda gets in episode 7 of the very real ways her world—and her ability to handle it—are crumbling.
The Best New Holiday Movies of 2020
2020 brought more than 100 new holiday movies, if you can believe it! I watched nearly 60 and liked a majority of them. Here are the top 20 new holiday movies from 2020.
10 Holiday Movies to Watch When You’re Missing Your Family
It’s hard to be alone or to be away from the people we care about most, especially at the holidays. If you’re in the mood for a movie this holiday season while you are missing your family, these films might cheer you up for a bit or at least distract you (or remind you that the holiday family gatherings we’re longing for aren’t actually quite as Normal Rockwell perfect as we might be remembering).
What We Need Most This Holiday Season
What do we need most this holiday season? Do what you need to do to say centered and safe and sane. Do whatever it is that brings you comfort and joy in this season, that pulls you closer to God who promises to be with us, that keeps you mindful of the One we celebrate this time of year — our Emmanuel.
25 Lifetime Holiday Movies on Sale for 99 Cents!
If you don’t have cable or subscribe to half a dozen streaming services, getting your holiday movie fix can be tricky. Lucky for us, Amazon has marked down dozens of Lifetime holiday movies to less than a dollar. And that’s not the rental price. You can PURCHASE (and keep forever, to watch however many times and whenever you want!) each of these movies for 99 cents. Wow!
When God Calls You to an Unexpected Ministry
All the personality, spiritual gifts, and strength-finding tests in the world have never revealed to me the most significant (and sometimes sneaky) ways God has used me to love His people. These unlikely callings have taken me by surprise over and over again, and I’m finally seeing the blessing in them.
The Way to Stop Spiraling into a Storm of Emotion
The specifics of what hurt me that day don’t matter here. What matters is that on that day, God gently and generously whispered, “Stop. Take a moment. Let it out. I’m here.” He pushed the pause button on my agitation cycle, pulling me away from the feeling-stuffing and problem-fixing, opening His arms to hold me as I let it all out.
14 Delicious Hallmark Movies About Cooking
The Hallmark Channel has created so many movies about cooking. And cooking contests, in particular. So many cooking contests! If you love watching people fall in love in the kitchen, here are some delicious movies you shouldn’t miss.
It's a lifestyle. It's a devotional!
Gilmore Girls was a TV show known (and loved) for its fast-talking, pop culture-referencing, coffee-chugging characters, but it was also a show devoted to love of family and community. These themes – as well as topics like forgiveness, kindness, and gratitude – partner well with lessons from the Bible.
Christians who loved this show will be encouraged and inspired to follow this “season” of daily devotions, reminiscing about their favorite Gilmore Girls scenes and perhaps seeing them from a whole new perspective.
When life makes you say, “Oy with the poodles already!” grab your mug of coffee and settle in for a conversation that will warm your heart and feed your soul.
