On a recent tour of an ancient building, I was reminded of two important things: the transformative power of fire, and the need to slow down and look up. We were part of the milling crowd, distracted by the thousand things around us on the tour, eyes focused downward on our list of things to Read more…
How to Survive the Restless In-Between
There is an inner pressure that has been stirring within my chest. A restless sense of something coming that I do not yet understand. I feel much like the dry lump of cactus sitting on my kitchen window sill that I water just in case it’s still alive – prickly and drawn in. Frustrated that nothing Read more…
You Need to Pick Your Flowers
It’s my 50th birthday today! I know I’m weird, but I celebrate it with great JOY. There just comes a time when you need to pick your flowers. This day feels like a warm, golden medal draped over the heart after a half century of difficult living – it’s finally safe to trust life Read more…
We Need Laughter and Joy
Ever ask yourself, Where did my funny go? This past weekend, after three days away from home at a writers conference, I found myself on the edge: worn thin, sleep deprived, having driven too far for too long. Feeling like ‘going Tasmanian’. You know. That blathering, slobbering cartoon character spinning circles in the dust, destroying Read more…
Why You Can Expect A Breakthrough
Like me, aren’t you ready for a breakthrough? You know… That moment when Viola! Suddenly everything looks different from here. I’m working on my next book. In the throes of creation, it feels like being in labor… Wading upstream… In the midst of spring run-off. It’s muddy, exhausting work but it won’t let us go. Read more…
When Life Is Not What You Expected
The tyranny of goals and expectations on top of an uber-full life for months on end has left me overwhelmed, discouraged and tired. Can you relate? Chronically feeling like a failure for not getting it all done, rarely enjoying the ride? From beneath the boulder of expectation, it’s difficult to appreciate the view. But the Read more…
How To Celebrate Lent Even If You’re Not Catholic
Today is the beginning of Lent. For the next 40 days, we sacrifice – give up something that we enjoy or gives us some kind of a reward. You don’t have to be Catholic to participate. When I was a kid I gave up chocolate. In adult life I’ve given up coffee, wine, sugar, yeast, Read more…
Confessions of a Hypocrite
My husband went away on a fishing trip and left me alone to eat dessert – these are the confessions of a hypocrite. Some days I find the strength to do life as I should. Other days not so much. When hubby leaves town the first thing that comes to mind? “What kind of treats Read more…
Walk A Different Path
I have called you to walk a different path, I heard. Have you ever felt like you got lost along the way? Missed God’s plan for your life? Wondering if you’ve misunderstood what He’s called you to do? What if that’s a clue that you’re exactly right on track? When we step out in faith Read more…
Stalked by a Dove
Everywhere I turn this week I am being stalked by a dove. It started in my office. I heard him first. Cooing, I’m with you, I’m with you. Then I saw him. Alone. A bit out of season. Perched in the tree outside my door. Watching. When I moved to the front of the house, Read more…