Christmas is for the broken. She was grieving and looking for something to fear rather than face the pain. She sucked in her breath and let out a prayer that her broken heart wouldn’t scatter out of reach when she exhaled. He held his own tears at bay and placed an arm of support around […]
You’re More Creative Than You Think
Background Photo Credit If you’re currently under the impression that you are failing in the creativity department, this message is for you. You wake up with high hopes for weaving a beautiful tapestry of productivity sewn together by imagination and inspiration. You progress on your construction as best you can, each check mark on the […]
My First Day of School Letter
Last year I started the tradition of writing a letter to my students on the first day of school, and I’m so glad I did it! I realize it’s more for me than for them at this point, but I’m okay with that. To all of my fellow educators, whether you’re teaching in a classroom […]
Daddy’s Hands
Daddy’s hands – A symbol of strength throughout my life How I learned what a callous was with its layers of toughened skin from labor The inspiration for recalling tales from the day because of the scratches brought about by wrestling barbed wire, transforming fallen trees into firewood, convincing cattle to submit to the head gate, […]
When No Other Words Can Come, Give Thanks
With the first half of year one back in the classroom almost behind me, I feel equal parts spent and fulfilled. It’s been challenging to learn how to balance our new way of life, but it’s been a worthwhile challenge. Finding time to sit down and write meaningful things has been beyond my abilities. This […]
Where I’m From
My awesome friend Ashley and I are both getting back into the teaching saddle after a lengthy hiatus this year, and she inspired me to get in on the fun of the Where I’m From poem with this post, which you should definitely read. Then you should go ahead and just subscribe to her blog […]
When a Good Thing Comes to an End
Today is perhaps my last quiet day home with just me and the kids for the summer. Monday morning, I officially become a full-time working mom for the first time. It’s a transition I am excited to make, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities it opens up for not only me, but also my […]
The Broken Cookie Cutter Marriage
I never used to believe that I was creative. No. I was too busy lining up cookie cutter pictures of the way life was supposed to be. The perfect good girl looks like this. The perfect student does that. The perfect Christian can’t think or dress that way. I read book after book about the […]
Being Real
When you’ve been through a refiner’s fire or two, you come out on the other side changed. It’s impossible not to be different. Sometimes, even though you know that you are not who you used to be, you wonder if other people notice, too, or if they just think you’re crazy. 😉 The other night […]
Reflections of a Mom: Letting go of Excessive Labels
Much like we all tend to do, I spent my growing up years building a picture of what my life should look like when I grew up. One of those pictures of my grown-up years definitely didn’t include me being a working mom. Nope. It took actually being a grown up and experiencing all of […]