Creating a Vision in the Midst of a Quiet Season

Last month, I stepped outside of my comfort zone to attend a vision board party. The day before the event, I went to Target to get a cute board of some sort - maybe a hexagonal corkboard like our hostess used as an example. Or maybe a foam board so I could write phrases in … Continue reading Creating a Vision in the Midst of a Quiet Season →

Notes from the Middle

I celebrated my birthday this last weekend. It wasn't a big one or a milestone––just a normal, next year sort of birthday. I've been in the process of recovering from a terrible cold since Christmas. It goes in waves and I've maxed out on all the drugs so was reduced to napping on the couch, … Continue reading Notes from the Middle →

Habits I’m Keeping for the New Year

Our year started out wobbly. We all got sick and have passed around a terrible cold that's going on three weeks. We've canceled plans, hunkered down, and lived on a soup diet. While our routines have been off, I've been thankful for habits I've formed over the past year or so. While the new year … Continue reading Habits I’m Keeping for the New Year →

Pouring Champagne at the Potluck of Deconstruction

I've always loved starting meals with champagne, whether at home or out at a restaurant. There's something so special about beginning a meal with a drink typically reserved for celebrations. Over at SheLoves Magazine, we're talking about the journey of faith deconstruction and what we bring to the table. Here's an excerpt - I hope … Continue reading Pouring Champagne at the Potluck of Deconstruction →

Starting the Year Without a Guide

Last week, Frank and I were sitting at the chef's table at one of our favorite restaurants, watching pizzas being thrown together, Brussel's sprouts slung in and out of the deep fryer, and zesty cannoli shells filled and plated for desserts. Our backs were to the rest of the diners and we were able to … Continue reading Starting the Year Without a Guide →

Keeping Christmas Magical

I have no memory of believing in Santa Claus. Apparently, there was a party and a Santa with whom I wasn't impressed and so quickly ended that magical relationship. I don't know that I really missed out on anything. "Santa" gave us a present each year and I still believed in the Christmas spirit. Now, … Continue reading Keeping Christmas Magical →

Advent Culminates With the Beginning

This Advent season, I've been thinking a lot about beginnings. I like to know where the journey is going, to at least have an endpoint. But that's not life or faith. I'm remembering that God has gifted us very few answers and endings and instead keeps pointing us back to the beginning. I'm over at … Continue reading Advent Culminates With the Beginning →

What I’m Reading This Advent

Advent started on Sunday and as I looked at my stack of current reads, I realized that they are all stories that are preparing me for this season of hopeful anticipation. I'm reading an actual Advent-focused devotional but my fiction and bedtime reads are pointing me toward reconciliation, as well. I'm in the midst of … Continue reading What I’m Reading This Advent →

Detoxing, Refocusing, and Entering Into Advent

I'm sitting in my living room right now, laptop perched halfway on one knee, halfway on the arm of our old and worn-out chair. The fire is on, snow is covering the branches of the trees outside though the sun has melted it from the sidewalks and streets. My girls are across the street watching … Continue reading Detoxing, Refocusing, and Entering Into Advent →