I want to write a book someday. And if there’s one thing I know about becoming an author, whatever I write needs to matter—it needs to be capable of changing a life. And there are many books that have done that for me–books that left me changed. Books that have a message that stays with me long […]
Archives for April 2012
For When Community Feels Too Risky and You Feel Rejected :: (in)RL Starts TODAY!!
I can’t wait for tomorrow night. I can’t wait to experience community. I’m hosting an (in)RL meet-up and I invited 78 in-real-life friends too, and I’m choosing joy and excitement because 6 said YES! And I won’t lie, I’m a bit disappointed. I wish more wanted to come be with me in community, especially those […]
When You Long to Be Satisfied and Supremely Happy :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 3}
I love to eat, and most of all I love dessert. And I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve had a temporary addiction to Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt lately, which is dangerous to both my waistline and my wallet. I think about eating Pinkberry hours before I do, and just imagining that sweet frozen swirl of goodness, with the […]
How the Invisible Becomes Visible Again {Naming the Gifts and Giving Thanks}
I’m leading a women’s discipleship group through a 6-week intensive–reading God’s Word and journaling daily, memorizing scripture, serving others and reading Ann‘s book, One Thousand Gifts. And while they read, I re-read it all over again. It’s been over a year and a half since I first read her scratched-out words, and they are still changing […]
My Weekend Wish For You {Together with Joy and Laughter and Love}
 Joy can be contagious, and laughter the best medicine. We weren’t created to live life alone, and our hearts are happier and our lives more full when we live life together … when we let go of our inhibitions and live in the now—talking and laughing and embracing just because we can. I used […]
How to Give the Ultimate Gift
I’ve been saving things for a long time. And after having 4 kids in 6 years, it’s not surprising how much I’ve accumulated, and it’s time to pass it on. Last fall, a co-op friend alerted me to a huge consignment sale in our local area–one they hold twice a year. So last October, we moseyed over […]
For When You Need to Quit Performing to Earn God’s Love and Blessing :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 2}
 I want to live a life that is blessed, and I think most of you do too. And I’m thankful that the blessings God gives are not dependent upon our performance. His love for us never changes, no matter what we do. But unfortunately, some well-meaning people get the idea that if they could BE more […]
Press On, my Friend! {In Whatever Season You’re In}
I know the good-bye is coming. Because of my experience I know how the time is going to fly. And how is it, I can know that—how can I say I want to make every moment count, but still allow their childish silliness and rowdy laughter to make me crazy on a daily basis? And I […]
For When You Need to Feel the Dirt to Appreciate Being Clean
I can’t remember the last time I actually planted things in the dirt. And in general, I have an aversion to dirt. Just ask my kids. I’m a recovering don’t-get-your-hands-dirty kind of mom. They know. And what can I say? Except that I’m changing, and I am trying. I’ve lightened up over the years, that’s for […]
For When You Want to Know How to Really Teach :: Sermon On the Mount {Week 1}
Our school year is winding down and I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned about myself and my kids, by being their teacher! And while I’m not a teacher by trade, as a nurse I do a lot of patient education and am very used to helping others learn. Teaching my own children has been so very […]