In Which I Tell It How It Is

guest post

Today, I've am amazing honored  to guest post at two beautiful blogs. My friend, Tanya is a beautiful soul whose constant journey to find the  glory in the midst of suffering and to see God's hand in it all blesses me. I knew that this particular piece of writing would be safe with her. It is part of my story and  it may seem silly but I needed to write it almost as much as I  need a bit of … [Read more...]

Pick My Next Hairstyle: In Which I Urgently Need Your Help! No, really! I’m serious

Before: Prior to ponytail or hat.

  If you've followed along for the past few weeks, you know all about my Alia's Dress for Change Purpose Project with Mocha Club. If you're new here and are just checking out these random cyborg-like photo edited hairstyles, then welcome. There is a reason for all this, I assure you. I am in need of an intervention some style inspiration, breaking free from yoga pants and oversized … [Read more...]

When Your Dreams are Too Heavy to Carry Alone

My dream co-conspirator

"But doubt is wily and cunning and never, as it is sometimes said to be, loud or defiant. It is unassuming and sly, not bold or assertive - and the more unassuming, the more dangerous." — Søren Kierkegaard She's the strongest woman I know. I tell her this. She is strong and brave. I don't know if she believes me. She bats away compliments with the unsure smile formed by her mother's … [Read more...]

When Shopping Has a Heart

logo-shine

We are a generation that wants to make a difference, an impact. We toss words around like sustainable, because we don't just want to throw money at a situation, we want to see lasting effect. And we are also a generation of consumers. So when we put those two together, we get Pure Charity. Because we are often stay at home moms juggling kids and carpools, diapers and soccer. Or we are full-time … [Read more...]

Displays of a Distorted Gospel: Activist Jesus

Homelessness and the church

Day 14 Club Jesus will probably always be around. But the glistening burst on the horizon is the draw towards more than that. We tire of the old religion and the Sunday club gatherers. We want our church to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We get that this world sucks. We get that there are needs, children starving, the sex trade, homeless people, disease, and oppression. We are only a mouse … [Read more...]

Five Minute Friday: Here

5-minute-friday-1

I have the start of a migraine, sharp and blinding through my right eye so I'm making this quick and snappy and hoping the meds kick in before the bulk of the pain. This is free writing at it's best since the pain meds are beginning to do the trick. So, definitely no overthinking. I'm not going to edit. I will link and I promise I'll be back to read all of y'all's posts when I don't feel like … [Read more...]

Book Review: Love Does by Bob Goff and a Giveaway

love does

The Giveaway winner is Paula @ http://www.averagehousewife.com/ Congratulations and I'll be contacting you soon. Before I read Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, I had heard Bob Goff speak at our church. When I read his bio and saw that he is a lawyer and the Ugandan consul, I prepared myself for a somber hour with a lot of weighty subject matter and some … [Read more...]

Five Minute Friday: Good-Bye

starving child

Around here we write for five minutes flat on Fridays. We set a timer, throw caution to the winds and try to remember what it was like to just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. Want to play Five Minute Friday? It’s easy peasy! 1. Write for 5 minutes flat on the prompt- no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking 2. Link back here and invite others to join in. 3. Meet … [Read more...]

Why I’m Called to Community and You Are Too

Too busy with work

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...]

80 Candles: A Lesson in Living as Light

IMG_4743

I can only imagine what they thought of me. A sixteen year old girl, just recently surrendered to the cross even though there had been many years of truth, rebellion had prevailed. And on the journey back to God and his redeeming grace, there was always the refining. So much to refine. The hot fire burning away the sins that had entangled during those years of mutiny, raging against God, the … [Read more...]

Letters to My Daughter: On Humility and Grace

Free

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...]

Karma, The Prodigal, and Offensive Grace

Hello my lovely readers, I am so glad you stopped by my blog today, but I'm not here. I am guest posting over at Inspired by Family again and I'd love it if you'd join me there where I share about karma, social justice vs. kingdom justice, being the prodigal, and offensive grace. Link over to see how my rabbit trail mind works. And don't forget to leave me a comment to share your thoughts or … [Read more...]

Mom-thenticity, Dirty Toilets and All: What I learned from my sister-in-law, Sarah

Sarah

  My sister-in-law Sarah turned 30 something yesterday. I wasn't there to celebrate with her because, you guessed it, still sick. And the last thing anyone wants at a party is a coughing, hacking, wheezy mess. After 13 years of marriage into our strange family, she has become part of my heart. She is a dear friend and confidante.  We watch our kids grow up together. We share our trials … [Read more...]

What Would You Do for a Child with a Broken Heart?

fatao

People whose hearts are stirred by compassion can accomplish so much. We should love justice and mercy. It is the marrow of our souls and out of it should spring forth live giving service and love towards God and others. I know so many wonderful people who want to make a difference. It's hard sometimes as a stay at home mom, home schooling the kids, doing dishes, changing diapers, cooking … [Read more...]

Let Me Be Blessed

Le Creuset

She hands me the check as I'm headed out the door. Just slips it nonchalantly into my hand. It's for you, she says. I nod.  Take it. A need is being met. The winter drags long and slow and work has been hard this winter. Every winter. New houses are not being built, old houses are not being painted. Bills are stacking up. This dear friend wanted to bless.  We give thanks. We praise hard during … [Read more...]