I pray also for those who will believe in me… that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may […]
Me Too :: Writing, Fear of Failure, and ...
Less than twenty four hours ago I pulled into our driveway after a day of traveling from Michigan where I had attended Calvin College’s Festival of Faith and Writing (and picked up a copious number of books). During my three days there I had the privilege of soaking in the wisdom of writers of blogs and […]
Risking Vulnerability in Order to be Who...
Brené Brown is one of my favorite writers and speakers. If you haven’t seen her most watched Ted Talk, you really should stop reading this and watch it. Here, I’ll give it to you: Self-esteem has always been this ethereal myth I find myself desiring and chasing after, as if it is something I can […]
The KonMari Method :: Three Tips for Dec...
Three months ago I began to “KonMari” my home. I started out strong. Each week I tackled a new project in the house. First books (more below), next papers, followed by kitchen odds and ends that were still in moving boxes. I was strong for three weeks. Then a cold struck. Followed by a few […]
Grief on Easter Sunday {Experiencing Une...
We tend to live with our lives and feel our feelings in categories. I am happy. I am sad. I am joyful. I am mourning. But this past year has been so much more than segments of feelings or times when I can easily answer the offhanded question, “How are you?” 10 months ago we […]
Teaching Myself to be Surprised by Joy :...
Every Friday, a group of writers gets together on the internet with Kate Motaung and we all write together for five minutes. No edits. No second guesses. Just writing. This is Five Minute Friday – and it is one of the most supportive groups on the web. Today’s writing prompt is: Surprise. I’m going to […]
How De-Cluttering is Forcing Me to See M...
In simplifying my life via the KonMari method, I find myself surrounded by boxes of things I have had in my possession, but never really needed. I have stockpiled clothing, gadgets, do-dads, books, not to mention food, cleaning supplies, and other “necessities” that I must have in bulk in order to have “enough.” While clearing […]
20 Moments in Motherhood when Uff Da! is...
I posted this picture on Instagram and Facebook on Sunday. While my Minnesota friends declared their devotion to my mug (It’s available on Amazon!!), my non-Minnesota friends wanted to know, “What does Uff da! even mean?” For a technical definition of uff da, seek wikipedia. But for some examples from early motherhood when “uff da” can […]
Guest Post :: Stacy Smith-Fulia {On Moth...
Good afternoon friends! Today on the blog I am excited to have my dear friend Stacy Smith-Fulia. Stacy and I were roommates in college and have stayed in touch over the years thanks to Facebook, long distance phone calls, and road trips. When I think of Stacy, I think of hot cups of coffee, thoughtful […]
A Confession to my Readers on this First...
Hi Friends, So much has been going on. I have been – or at least felt – absent from my blog in the ways that matter to me. Heart matters. Those pieces of us that groan and ache and rejoice and cry and feel every moment of life have been tender and emotive for me. […]