Finding Joy on the Journey in Faith, Family, and all Things in Between.
There is nothing more unique than the truth. And nothing more difficult to tell. I have truths in my life. Ones that are wound in story, as much a part of me as the links in my spine, and the skin that has grown and stretched over me all these years from infancy to womanhood. For many writers, this is where we measure our memories. We weigh the life we've lived, the thoughts we possess, … [Read more...]
I had another post planned for today but then life happened. And I realized this is a huge part of the writer's struggle. Life. Because just as the post forms in your mind, the thoughts coming together and the words harmonizing seamlessly, you are called upon to wipe your toddler's butt and swoosh, the perfectly aligned sentence just got flushed. And then the chore of pulling out your laptop … [Read more...]
I fear the tipping point when dreams placed within me become less about Him and more about me. Because I've seen it happen. I know it's ugly. I fear that the very makeup and fibers of my being are wrung tight and prone to catapult and tip lopsided and I sway under the searching of my heart. I want it clean but know the pain of having it scoured by Him. I fear the times when I shrink back from … [Read more...]
Day 26: My Testimony: Which Bubble Do I Fill? I felt the red flush of embarrassment rise up my neck and fill my face with splotchy crimson blots. "Not a porch, stupid. A Porsche! Don't you know anything?" She cocked her head to one side, her strawberry blonde hair falling to the side as she wrinkled her freckled nose in distaste. I still had no idea what she was talking about. She had said … [Read more...]
I started this blog as a ministry to others. To share my stories and develop community here. I wanted to have a place to share what God was doing in my life. I wanted this to be a place where I was fearless. Where I could push past platitudes and be real and transparent. I had no idea this blog would minister to me more than to others. Last year at my blogging début, I chose one word … [Read more...]
I've been sitting on this post for a few days now. Formulating in my head and heart what I wanted to say and how I would say it. I've watched the twitter banter and bloggy love being passed out around online and I've even jumped in with a few hashtags and virtual fist bumps. And I've reflected on my weekend at The Influence Conference. I was blessed to attend at the last-minute through a … [Read more...]
He's stomping. The heel walk thudding up the stairs. I hear his door close. Not slammed because he knows better but loud enough to display his surly temper. And I wonder at this eleven year old man-child, so like me in his temperament and yet I find myself constantly at odds with him. I go to his room. Pursue him. I am right in this. I am his mother and my decision won't change regardless … [Read more...]
There are so many things standing in the way of developing a community. Here are some excuses in no particular order. 1. I am an introvert, people are draining to me after long periods. 2. I homeschool so my days are filled with lesson plans, constant questions, diaper changes, snack times, and exhaustion. Basically the definition of long periods. 3. My house is messy … [Read more...]
To my darling Kaia, This is my last letter to you this birthday. I know it's a lot to take in and after I read you these words, we will journey through the meanings together. This is the final thing I have to share for now. Be humble. Humility will allow you rest. It will free you from striving to be perfect. It will keep you from masquerading as something other. It will dismiss imposters from … [Read more...]
To my beautiful girl on her 7th birthday. My sweet Kaia, This week, you will be seven. Burning in my heart are the things I long for you to know as you get older and blossom into a young woman. My hope is that you will return to these birthday letters as you grow and it will remind you of your mother's love and desires for her most precious little girl. These are my words to you this year as … [Read more...]
Some of the first advice I received years ago as a first time mom was "pick your battles." Being a first time mom, I was determined to do an amazing job. I read the parenting books. I got this, I thought. I watched the temper tantrums that occurred in grocery checkouts over skittles and lollipops and vowed that my child would be well-disciplined, respectful, and obedient. I couldn't … [Read more...]
I love to check the boxes, fill in the little bubbles, circle the numbers or letters. I love to compile the answers and read the definition of who I am. You are an INFJ, an introvert, a melancholic sanguine, an emotional eater, an authoritative parent. Your spiritual gifts are discernment, teaching, exhortation, and you don't even register on the hospitality column. *I am working on this. … [Read more...]
Fasting is a lost discipline in our culture. In many ways we are simply too busy to fast or we misunderstand the concept and purpose completely. I'm not talking about skipping meals so you can fit into your skinny jeans. That is a diet. Fasting without the intention of seeking God is simply asceticism and anyone with a little willpower can do that. Denying yourself to attain righteousness … [Read more...]
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