I’m reading though a book, taking notes and prepping for a possible creative-writing course for the next school year. My daughter, fixing and fiddling in the kitchen, asks her brother a question, “What’s Dad doing?” “Oh, nothing,” is his response. He returns to his drawing. “Nothing?” she asks.“Well, he’s playing chess online,” he clarifies. And […]
Spiritual
Deborah, Abigail, Esther, Xena, and Other Warrior Princesses, This is for You
My parents raised a good, Christian girl–a homeschooled, preacher’s kid for the first 16 years of my life (I found a lot of identity in that label). I understood the Mary and Martha illustration better than most and knew that a pure life was the highest calling. On the flip side, I was naive, easily […]
When the Miraculous Happens
[ I had every intention this afternoon of writing down my thoughts on strong women (Capitalizing on the quintessential WOMAN of God vs. the broken stereotypes that seem out of place… and where the heck people like Judge and Prophetess Deborah even fit into the modern church equation); I’ll get there eventually. ] But God […]
Straight to the Heart
This morning, as most mornings go, I was in my room reading my Bible and my youngest came in, complaining about his brother’s selfishness and how he wouldn’t return something that belonged to him. He then proceeded to tell me that his brother threw the piece at him and that made him so mad that […]
Grabbing the Unraveled Threads
Haven’t written much lately. Haven’t much felt like it. Can you relate to the mood? December brought Covid, cancelled holidays, nearly a month of quarantining and an ER and hospital stay. As soon as that “was over”, I had to jump back into work, teaching, co-op, and the kids’ schedule. I don’t think my spirit […]
What’s with all the Blood?
When I was a kid, sometimes I’d enter the bathroom I shared with my brother, and blood would confront me. Red splattered the sink, blood-soaked tissues littered the trashcan, and all evidence pointed to some bad juju. Of course, nothing sinister had transpired; my poor brother suffered severe nosebleeds as a kid, but the sight […]
Poor Dumb Bunny
My littlest man and I are snuggled on the couch together, jazz music and Christmas lights shimmering in the background. I asked Corbin what I should write about on my blog today. He shuffled his LEGO pieces and asked, “what’s a blog?” I explained and then he offered, “You should write about Seymour.” The only […]
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Judging Motive
Laughing with her husband arm-in-arm, she seemed to waltz across the floor, red heels and curled highlights. Who wears that to the doctor’s office, let alone exudes such boisterous distraction? [I bet she takes a hundred selfies a week and spends more money on jewelry and manicures a month than I have in the last decade. Doesn’t she….
Don’t Tell Me Lies, Sweet Little Lies
A few friends in my circle have remained what I will term tier-two friends. Although we are more than acquaintances, they’ve never made it to the third level because–quite honestly–they barely share any of their heart. Despite my attempts, there’s no vulnerability or soul connection. As a person who hates small talk–talk about exhausting–I used […]
Close Calls: The Fragile Life
A few days ago I was tending to our family garden, weeding and watering, and I noticed two things. The new shoots of plant life–the kind that actually produce fruit for the body–were easily destroyed. And yet,