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Last month, I had the joy of joining other women from our church for our annual women’s retreat in Donnelly. Our theme was “Be Still, Behold, and Be Held,” and our text was Psalm 27. Like David in this Psalm, we wanted to quiet our restless, busy, and anxious souls, behold the beauty, power, and care of God, and rest in His truth and promises through both the calm and chaos of life.

I’ve experienced the gift of being still, beholding Jesus, and being held by Him many times, and it’s the BEST. But, it can also be frustrating when it feels like the only way to truly experience these things is to make time to rest, relax, or get away. With our busy life, those opportunities feel few and far between. I love my family and my work, but the busyness can feel overwhelming, and I often find myself longing for the next opportunity to get away and rest with Him. At the retreat, though, the Lord showed me something I hadn’t fully realized before.

During worship, we sang “Not in a Hurry” by Will Reagan, and the first line struck me: “Lord, I don't want to rush on ahead in my own strength when you're right here.” My mind raced. Wait, that’s what I do! I’m always in a hurry, rushing ahead on my own strength. Yes, I take time daily to be with the Lord, but then I say goodbye to Him and plow ahead on my own. Why do I act as though the only time I can really enjoy His presence is when I’m quiet and still? And why do I think those relatively brief moments are enough to fuel me for the climb ahead? Why do I so easily forget that He’s right there, eager to walk beside me and give me all I need for the race He has called me to?

Quiet times with the Lord are vital, and longing for our final destination with Him is right. But, I realized I don’t have to run the race between rest stops and the finish line alone. I can experience His presence, care, and help all along the way. I need only to stay close to Him as I climb. I can treasure the moments when we steal away together to rest and take in the view, while also enjoying the many more moments of navigating the everyday highs and lows of the trail together. I need only to seek His face, ask for His guidance, and trust His lead. And as I travel with Him, He will renew my strength so I can “run and not be weary” and “walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

I’m a very visual person, and a forgetful one too. So, visual reminders are a sweet grace! When I got home from the retreat, I wanted to create one to help me remember what He had taught me. I pictured myself walking along a mountain trail, side by side with Jesus—not rushing ahead but enjoying His presence. He is right there to encourage me, give me wisdom, guide me, and carry me when I need it. I asked AI to create a computer wallpaper depicting this, and the image above is what it produced. My only complaint is that it couldn’t quite figure out the back of my hair, but it’s close enough! I’m thankful for the daily reminder to stay by His side and not rush ahead on my own strength when He’s right there.  

I pray this encourages you to make time to be still, meet with Jesus in His Word, and rest with Him—but also to remember that He’s right there with you in the chaos of everyday life too. Don’t rush ahead on your own strength. He’s eager to walk with you and be your strength for the climb. You just need to say yes to His invitation!

Post By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

Right along with the fall weather, the Boise housing market cooled a bit in September, with 854 homes closing compared to 955 in August. Even so, sales were up 8.5% from last September, making it the strongest September for home sales since 2021.

Inventory edged up slightly, with new construction making up just over half of the homes available for sale. Meanwhile, fewer new listings hit the market in September, suggesting that the increase in available homes is partly due to properties taking longer to sell rather than a surge of new listings.

Higher interest rates may be contributing to the slower pace, and it’s understandable that buyers are hesitant. But, with creative financing options available and no way to predict where rates are headed, waiting for a better rate could mean missing an opportunity that works today. We’ve seen several buyers find solutions they didn’t think were possible! If you’re ready to buy but concerned about rates, we’d love to connect you with a trusted local lender to explore your options.

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just curious about what today’s market means for you, reach out anytime. We’d love to help you find a path that fits your goals!

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for September 2026, see below. 

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE. 

On July 27th, my sweet friend, Colleen Chao, left this world and entered into the loving arms of her Savior. While I usually use this section of my newsletter to share something from my own life, Colleen’s life, story, and hope have deeply impacted me in the few short years I’ve known her--and will no doubt continue to do so for the rest of my life. 

Rather than write my own reflections, I wanted to share this beautiful video tribute to Colleen from Revive Our Hearts. Through years of singleness, depression, chronic illness, and ultimately the cancer that took her life, Colleen consistently pointed others to the steadfast goodness and faithfulness of God. Her life was a beautiful testimony that our hope is not found in our circumstances, but in the fiercely tender God who holds us through them—and who will ultimately bring us safely home.

I pray Colleen’s story and the words she shares in this video will invite you to consider the hope Jesus offers if you don’t yet know Him, to trust Him more deeply if you do, to embrace the days He has given you, and to fix your eyes on the eternal hope we have in Him

Post By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

Continuing the upward trend we’ve seen since January, the Boise housing market saw a median price increase of about $20,000 last month and is now 9.5% higher than it was a year ago. But while prices may be rising across the valley, the market isn’t moving at the same pace everywhere.

For example, Micron’s continued expansion may be helping drive demand in Southeast and Northeast Boise, where some homes are selling within days and attracting multiple offers. The influx of new employees, along with existing employees choosing to invest locally, may be contributing to the strength we’re seeing in these areas.

Meanwhile, the story looks a little different as we head west, where new construction is more prevalent. Builders are giving buyers more options by pricing competitively and offering attractive incentives, creating some real competition for existing homes. In fact, 56% of homes that went pending in Ada County in July were new construction. And at the end of July, nearly half (46%) of the homes on the market were new builds, with another 10% having been built within the past five years.

So, what does this all mean? The Boise market continues to show strength, but there’s no one-size-fits-all story. Where a property is located, its age and price, and whether it’s competing with new construction can make a big difference. If you’re considering buying or selling, we’d love to help you understand what’s happening in your particular market, explore your options, and figure out the next best step. Reach out anytime!

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for July 2026, see below.  

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE. 

This past month has included several joyful celebrations for our family. Perhaps this is why Ecclesiastes 3:13 caught my attention while reading through my Bible plan this week: "Everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.” The verse reminded me that celebration is not just an enjoyable part of life—it is a gift from God. He calls us not only to work faithfully, but also to take time to rejoice in what He has done.

One of our biggest celebrations was Hadley's graduation from Timberline High School. After thirteen years of hard work, it was a joy to celebrate all that God has accomplished in and through her. Also, we celebrated the close of another school year for our other children, Ellie's final year at Liberty Elementary before moving on to junior high, the end of sports seasons and other activities, the completion of Launch Pad and Life Groups for the summer, Brooks' birthday, my birthday, and just this past weekend, Taylor's belated sixteenth birthday trip to Silverwood (just her and me =-).

Each milestone represented more than a date on the calendar. It marked the end of a journey filled with hard work, sacrifices, highs, lows, prayers, commitments, and God's faithful provision along the way. Looking back over the twists and turns of each made reaching these milestones all the sweeter to celebrate!

As Taylor and I enjoyed one of our dozens of rides on our favorite attraction at Silverwood—a wooden roller coaster called Tremors—I found myself thanking God for this gift of celebration. The ride felt a little like life itself. There was anticipation before it began, people helping us along the way, exhilarating highs, steep drops, unexpected turns, dark tunnels, bright views, laughter, and an experience shared both with loved ones and strangers. And, of course, even though we ran and tried to fit in as many rides as we could, our time on the coaster eventually came to an end. As we stepped off, there was nothing left to accomplish—just gratitude for the experience and joy in having shared it together.

Life is much the same. God calls us to work diligently and faithfully, but He also invites us to rejoice in His goodness along the way. As Moses instructed God's people, "You will eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice with your household in everything you do, because the Lord your God has blessed you" (Deuteronomy 12:7). Whether we're graduating, finishing a season, marking a birthday or anniversary, or simply enjoying a day with friends or family, may we receive these moments with gratitude and, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, do all to the glory of God. Celebration is one of God's good gifts—a reminder to pause, give thanks, and rejoice in the One who brought us there.  

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

The Boise housing market was active in May, with 10.2% more homes selling and buyers snatching up homes 23.3% faster than they did in April. As we moved from spring into summer, home prices bumped up a bit but remained very similar to where they were this time last year. Overall, buyers and sellers alike seem to be keeping the market moving at a healthy pace.

One trend worth noting is that while more homes are available than we saw during the highly competitive years of 2021–2022, inventory is still well below what we'd typically consider a balanced market. Buyers are enjoying more choices and a little more breathing room than they had just a few years ago, but well-priced homes in desirable locations are still attracting strong interest and, in many cases, multiple offers. In other words, while the market has become more balanced, strategy still matters.

Because real estate is so local, market conditions can vary significantly depending on your neighborhood, price range, and goals. If you're wondering how this summer's market may impact your specific situation, we'd love to help. Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply planning ahead, reach out anytime—we're always happy to answer questions and serve as a resource.

For a quick snapshot of  May's housing markets stats, see below:

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE. 

Over spring break, our family had the joy of visiting Zion National Park and being amazed by God’s creation.  We hiked quite a few trails, many of which wound along steep cliffs and narrow pathways. At one point, our youngest daughter, Ellie, commented, “I feel like I have to keep my head down and watch my step so I don’t slip, but I just want to look up at all the beauty around me.”

She put into words what we were all feeling. The scenery was incredible—towering canyon walls, shifting clouds, and sunlight changing the colors and shadows at every turn—but the trail required careful attention. If you weren’t watching your step, you could easily stumble, or worse yet, fall off the ledge—something this somewhat paranoid mama was definitely concerned about.

Life often feels the same way.  Most days, my head is down. I’m focused on what’s right in front of me—work, kids’ schedules, meals, appointments, and all the small but necessary details that need to happen in a day to keep us on track. Other times, I lift my gaze a bit and feel the weight of bigger things—friends and family walking through illness or loss, big decisions or events that bring stress, frustration about the political climate in our country, and concern for loved ones caught in the conflict in the Middle East. Whether it’s everyday responsibilities or heavier burdens, I’m often tempted to feel overwhelmed by what’s right in front of me.

But, just like on those narrow trails, there’s always an invitation to pause, steady myself, and lift my eyes to see the bigger picture. For me, that looks like getting into God’s Word, remembering what Jesus has done, and resting in His strength and faithfulness. When I do, I’m reminded that God is at work. He isn’t distant or unaware, leaving me to navigate a hard path on my own. He is with me—guiding, sustaining, and working in ways I can’t always see. The pressures of today, big or small, are not the full story.

As we’re reminded in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all….” What a perspective shift that brings—and what peace it gives. The steps in front of me still matter and are important for taking me where the Lord is leading. I still need to walk faithfully and pray through the responsibilities and challenges of each day. But, I don’t have to live with my head down. I can daily lift my eyes and take in the beauty of the tapestry He is lovingly and purposefully weaving.  I can be reminded that He is present in every detail, sovereign over both the little and the big things, and He is working everything together for His glory and our good. I pray you’re able to pause today and take in the beauty of that fuller view!  

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

It doesn’t take much to notice—whether you’re driving across town or circling for a parking spot at the soccer fields—the Treasure Valley continues to grow. That growth is showing up in the Boise real estate market as well. While this spring feels a little more “normal” compared to the frenzy of the past few years, home sales in Ada County are still up 19% compared to this time last year. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell (about 55 days on average), which can feel like a shift, but we’re still well below what’s considered a truly balanced market. And, in some of the more sought-after areas in Boise and Eagle, as well as in more affordable price ranges, it’s not uncommon to see homes receive multiple offers within the first few days.

The need for more housing to keep up with growth—and to maintain affordable options—isn’t just something buyers and sellers are feeling. It’s a shared concern for legislators on both sides of the aisle at the state level as well. Governor Brad Little recently signed a couple of bipartisan-backed bills into law that aim at making it easier to build the housing our area needs. Senate Bill 1352 encourages higher-density development in larger cities, and Senate Bill 1354 removes some of the restrictions around building accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

It’ll take time for inventory to catch up, but we’re thankful for these steps in the right direction. The Treasure Valley continues to be a place people want to call home. If you’re thinking about buying or selling—whether it’s finding an affordable option closer to town, seeking some quiet outside of town, downsizing or upsizing, or investing or buying for personal use—we’d love the opportunity to walk with you through the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re eager to hear about your needs, wants, and unique situation, and to help you determine what makes the most sense for you in today’s market.

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for March 2026, see below.  

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE. 

It’s that time again—when I pause to reflect on the word I hoped would define last year and look ahead to my word for the next.  My word for 2025 was “Faithful.” While I wasn’t as faithful in pursuing the Lord as I had hoped, He remained abundantly faithful—just as Scripture promises: “Even if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). Looking back, I can clearly see His steady work in, through, and around me, even when my own commitment wavered.

As I considered a word for 2026, “Peaceful” came to mind—peace in my soul, peace in my life, and peace in the world around me. That longing likely came from feeling anything but peaceful. The world felt unsettled, my life overwhelmingly full, and internally, I noticed growing irritability and a desire to withdraw. While some of that drove me toward good things—time alone with the Lord, prayer, and an increased longing for His return—there was also a self-focused element that was breeding discontentment rather than rest.

Through honest conversations with friends and wise medical counsel, I began to consider that perimenopause might have a thing or two to do with it. So, in January, I started hormone replacement therapy, for which I’m very grateful. While my new estrogen patch doesn’t create spiritual peace, bring calm to our household calendar, or quiet the chaos of the world, it has restored a measure of physiological balance that has felt like a gracious gift from God—one that has helped me think more clearly and engage more fully in the life He has given me.  

Still, I know this: no medication, change in circumstances, or amount of solitude can give my soul the peace it ultimately longs for. That deeper peace—the kind Scripture calls “the peace that surpasses all understanding”—comes only from God. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27).

Indeed, Biblical peace is richer than calm feelings or conflict-free days. The Hebrew word for peace, “shalom,” means wholeness—restoration of what is broken. While hormone replacement therapy can help bring balance to my body and a lighter load can help bring calm to our home, only Christ can take a fragmented life—and a fractured world—and make it whole. Our deepest fracture and source of unrest is not circumstantial but spiritual. Sin broke our relationship with God, but through Christ’s death and resurrection, that relationship is restored—we are reconciled to God.  Christ is the foundation of every other kind of peace. He is, after all, the Prince of Peace—the Administrator of Shalom.

So, as I step into 2026 with the word “Peaceful,” my prayer is not simply for quieter days or calmer emotions, but for a deeply rooted peace—anchored in the truth that I have been reconciled to God through Christ.  He is my peace, and He is with me and for me in all things.

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

The Boise housing market has remained relatively stable as we’ve entered the new year. In January, the median sales price was $535,990, up 2.1% from December and only slightly lower than January of last year.

While price stability is welcome news, affordability remains a challenge for many buyers. Consumers primarily blame higher mortgage rates and stagnant wages, while economists also cite an ongoing housing shortage as a key contributing factor. Encouragingly, though, inventory in our area is improving, with active listings up 23.3% year over year and months’ supply increasing to 2.1 months. While this remains well below the 4–6 months considered a balanced market, the trend is moving in the right direction.

For those seeking the most economical options, Kuna remains the most affordable area in Ada County, with a January median sales price of $424,990. Canyon County offers even greater affordability overall, with a median sales price of $420,000.

If you’re considering buying or selling this year and are wondering how market conditions may impact your plans, we’d love to connect!  We can discuss your specific situation, review current trends, and look at the data that matters most to help you move forward with confidence.

For a quick snapshot of the Ada & Canyon County housing markets for January 2026, see below:

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE.