At times, it appears my fire has burned out. The weight of my circumstances has snuffed it out completely and only darkness remains. Smoke circles me like a an unwanted fog, hindering my clear view, choking me, and confusing matters. Defeat has become my captor. But then I feel it, hard to notice at first—the… Continue reading Out of the Darkness
When I lived in Seattle years ago, I had a dear friend who went to the gym daily. I admit, I often tried to talk her out of going ‘just once’ so we could spend time together doing this or that. She explained that it was a necessity for her. It helped battle her anxiety… Continue reading A Little Self-Care, Please
I have been thinking a lot about Peter’s denial of Jesus. I can relate to what drove Peter to the three denials before the rooster’s crow. Fear. He was afraid of being persecuted by those who believed differently than he did. I may not be facing a threat to my life like Peter, but I… Continue reading Before the Rooster’s Crow
Lately, I have been swayed by whispers of the enemy. I have been stuck in my head, thoughts swirling, looking for answers to difficult questions within myself alone. It is a fool's errand, and I have been stalled. In the words of Lauren Daigle, I need to tell myself to "Look Up, Child". What I… Continue reading Getting Back to Grace
Y’all, I’m tired. I keep searching for uplifting words to share, but I’m physically spent. With continuing to heal from back surgery (now without the brace), enduring kidney stones, suffering through a stomach bug and now fighting off a flu-like virus, I’m worn down. But, thankfully, I’m not worn out. And, thankfully, there are people… Continue reading Remember by Lauren Daigle
I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to Lauren Daigle’s new song, “You Say”. It is my daily go-to. It speaks to me, as it does to many Christians. It serves as a reminder of how God sees us, especially when we struggle with our own self-perceptions. “You say I am loved...… Continue reading Thank You, Lauren Daigle
I remember Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It hit eleven days after my 8th birthday. It was very scary. My mom tells me I asked her over and over if we were going to die. Now, with Florence heading our direction (just after my birthday again), I can’t help but think of those memories. The damage.… Continue reading In the Storm’s Path
Have you ever tried to fit a puzzle piece into the wrong spot in the puzzle? I have witnessed committed puzzlers fight to make a piece fit. Maybe if I push just a little harder? But, try as they might, if it isn't the right place for the piece, it just won't work. And if they… Continue reading When the piece doesn’t fit…
Have you ever had a moment in time when you thought, “Wow, God, you really listened! I see evidence of that answered prayer.” I had a big “ah ha” moment like this yesterday morning, and I feel drawn to share. So, let me tell you a little story. In April 2017, I reached out to… Continue reading An Answered Prayer
I believe listening to faith-based music is one of the best ways I, personally, feel connected to God. Below are four songs I listen to pretty much on a daily basis right now, along with a sampling of some of the lyrics. Each of these speaks to me in a different way. You Say by… Continue reading Top 4 Songs on my Christian Playlist
Let me start by saying that I haven't found a single person who likes dealing with dog poop. It is messy and stinky and just no fun. Recently, my husband went away for a guy's weekend. I was holding down the fort alone, taking care of my two littles and our feisty dog. As I… Continue reading What I learned from dog poop…
I have been a theatre teacher, in some capacity, for the past fifteen years. Today, I scrolled through posts by my former co-workers at the school where I resigned mid-year, last year, due to my back issues. I had been there for seven years. The photos show groups of teachers having fun on a back-to-school… Continue reading Taking the first step
This book has meant so much to me as I've gone through an intense season of waiting. It has given me direction and helped me learn to embrace the wait. A good friend and I bought it together, and we dove right in. As always, Sue Monk Kidd is a joy to read. I recommend… Continue reading When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd
What I’ve learned through personal struggle is—Change is tough. Yet, God can lead us to personal growth. We can strip away areas that hold us back. We can become better versions of ourselves.
My daughter and I were talking this week about how our bodies are temples. We talked about all the ways to stay healthy. It was easy to say to her how important it is to “eat healthy” and “exercise” and not fill ourselves with “junk”. Yet, in the pit of my stomach, I felt sick. […]
I have had a lot on my mind lately. So much of my “comfortable” life has been changed. I no longer serve as drama teacher. I no longer can be “wife” and “mom” in the way I once was, at least not for the time being. I find it hard to know my “place” now. […]
Fairly Grounded 