I hadn’t heard from her in over a month. And I didn’t feel a release to send another message until I did. Because sometimes, in a friendship, we need space. We need to process all that’s happening inside and respond when our heart is ready—when we have something meaningful to say. And that’s what I […]
Why You Should Go See Mom’s Night Out Movie {Produced by Kevin Downes}
Five years ago, over seventy of us gathered for our 20-year high school reunion. And among those classmates was my friend, Kevin Downes. That night we caught up, as he shared all he’d been doing in the past 20 years, including writing and producing films with his brother Bobby. Kevin told about the coming release […]
When Relationships Become Idols {Love Idol}
I don’t remember what we talked about each Sunday morning, but I looked forward to every Sunday school class in 6th grade. And while it’s true I liked going to see the cute boy who was there, mostly I liked how Mrs. Moore talked about God–almost like she knew Him on a first-name basis and had […]
How the Truth Will Always Rise
The first storm of the year blankets the mountain white, and the falling snow rises onto everything. We drive up the hill in the sunshine of the next day, and to this California girl, it’s a winter wonder. Icicles hang themselves in mid-air, and snow sits tall on every branch and rock. It’s perched there, […]
(in)couragers Community Groups for YOU! {Fall 2013}
Woo Hoo!!! TODAY is the day registration opens for our (in)couragers community groups through the amazingly fantastic super-powers over at (in)courage! Last year I was blessed to lead an online (in)couragers group through the fall and the spring, and some of the connections we made have become real friendships full of love and support. In […]
A Letter to You, For When You’re Weary
Dear weary mom, I see you. And I’ve been you. Weary, drooping, and exasperated, like week-old tulip petals trying to hang on. Fading and withering, more and more … until weak, and all used-up, and falling right down. I am you. And I know. I see the messes you face over and over again. The Cheerios appearing on the floor […]
We Are Better Together :: The Romans Project {Week 1}
Every Friday the emails start rolling in, and they continue arriving one by one throughout the weekend. One at a time, I download the attachment and listen to each voice recite scripture. We are in this together. A group, just over ten of us, with a unified goal. Acquaintances brought together with passion and conviction […]
To Risk is to Be Brave
To risk is to be brave. Because there is no bravery without risk. I recently completed the Strengthsfinder assessment for the second time. It was for a leadership class I’m in, and to my amazement my results were almost exactly the same as four years ago. I’m a communicator and a relator, someone who likes harmony, […]
Because God Knows Just What We Need :: (in)RL 2013
God always knows just what we need and He orchestrates everything to be beautiful in His time. I’m a relator and a communicator and there are few things I love more than to connect with others. I believe in community, and connection, and the powerful beauty that blooms when two hearts are seen by one […]
To Bare Our Soul
I place her new baby on her bare chest and the emotion in the room is palpable. We do it at every delivery because it begins the bond. Skin touches skin, And oxytocin surges… And we know from the research, ANY skin touching skin, releases oxytocin, initiating and strengthening the bond. It’s amazing how touch […]