I don't think anyone can fully prepare you for how pivotal it is to become a mother. It's not that they don't try. In fact, when you're expecting, you may find everyone from your great aunt to your coworkers to well-meaning strangers dole out parenting advice. Whether they're parents or not, many know the searing … Continue reading Becoming
“Jack got in a fight at school today,” she reports, pushing an accident slip toward me. I take the slip and crouch down to examine a fingernail-shaped scratch on my son’s head. “Poor buddy,” I say, pulling him into a hug. I look up and ask, “What happened?” “He and another boy wanted the same … Continue reading A mother’s worry
One of my favorite Bible stories is that of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Her grief still fresh and sharp, a visit to Jesus’ burial site promises a private space to mourn. Yet when Mary arrives, the stone has been rolled away. The perfume still lingers, but the grave is empty, save for a … Continue reading A prayer for Easter
Credit: Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com In the two plus years since we’ve lived in our new home, I’ve had a lot of design flops. There was the time we tried an online design service that suggested we order a rustic café table for our bay window. Once unboxed and assembled, the table was noticeably too … Continue reading This changed the way I thought about hospitality
I’m halfway through Ross Gay’s essay collection, The Book of Delights, which has enlightened my gratitude practice. My practice, which I call “evening pages,” is a spin on creative guru Julia Cameron’s morning pages—three long-hand pages on any topic you want, done first thing in the morning. Instead of every morning, I do this at … Continue reading Spring is coming
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 5 a.m. ~ The sound of chimes, my iPhone alarm, breaks my dream. My eyes dart open. The bedroom is bathed in darkness. My dog is snuggled up against my husband, who's snoring blissfully on the other side of the bed. I wrestle myself out of bed; the cool air shocks … Continue reading Diary of one day
Last month I was invited to share my call story with some young leaders in the church. Now, you might be wondering, "What's a call story?" A call story is a phrase pastors and other Christians use to describe how God led them into ministry. Although I have the privilege of bearing witness to others' faith … Continue reading My call story
