Dear Creator of Easter,Each year You meet meAt just the time I struggle to Believe That my messes are not a signThat my failures define meThat Your death was not tidyAnd that the only thing perfectIn all that led to Your resurrectionWas Your love My Savior,Your work is the proofThat when I forget toBelieve In […]
My Friday Haiku
One of my writing goals for this year is to write more poetry. The most rewarding practice that has come from that goal is to write a haiku each Friday. It all started when one of my administrators shared that she writes haikus about various scenarios that she experiences on the job, so I began […]
The Important Work Waits Where We Lean Down to Find It
I’ve made it a tradition to write a back-to-school letter every year on the eve of the first day of classes. I had quietly been planning the letter’s contents for weeks. The theme was going to be, “We have important work to do.” I was determined to write the letter before my head hit the […]
A Winter Poem
Winter, You taunt me every year with your isolating illnesses and crippling storms, bringing out the worst in everybody. Most generally, I don’t like you. Even so, I do my best to find your most admirable attributes and enjoy making memories with the unique qualities your season brings. Snow is beautiful. The magical way it […]
Remembering, Living, and Snapshots
A year ago, we were reeling from the sudden loss of my father-in-law. The details that go into wrapping up someone’s life once they’re already in eternity are overwhelming. The shock of knowing they’re no longer going to participate in the big or little activities of life is staggering. Last February is a complete blur […]
In Everything Give Thanks
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I have a started a half dozen different posts in recent weeks and months that I can’t seem to complete for the simple reason that I can’t seem to express properly how much […]
How You and I Can Make a Difference
No matter how much I strive to have a grateful heart, sometimes a need arises in someone else’s life that makes me realize I’m taking something for granted. These things can range from freedom to health, family and friends to spiritual enrichment. If I’m not careful to think globally, I can get extremely comfortable and […]
That Post Where I Focus on the Exceptionally Wonderful Little Things That Make my Life Full
These two great posts by my friends Jen & Ashley reflect perfectly on what I was working on writing this week! Expectations. Gratitude. Space. Intentionality. They make for an epic battle of finding peace and balance. Here are a few of my reflections on letting go of expectations while choosing gratitude and joy in the […]
For Better or Worse
Yesterday was my parents’ 34th anniversary. They both took the day off of work to spend together. And that’s exactly what they did. Starting at 1:30 in the morning when my dad woke up mom telling her something wasn’t right. The only time they were separated was when she followed behind an ambulance taxiing him […]
When Life Gives You Little Things, Embrace Them
Tears well up more readily for me these days. I know it’s in large part because the hormones of motherhood are swelling just as much as my abdomen on this home stretch of pregnancy. Yet some of the tenderness, joy, and emotion that washes over me in recent days comes from a deeper source. It […]