Disclaimer: If this does not resonate with you or you feel it hits a bruise for you, this is a friendly reminder that you do not have to engage with it. When I came back to children's ministry a little over 2 years ago, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that if I … Continue reading Deconstruction Chronicles Pt. 1
My life right now is a path shrouded in darkness and I have only a single lantern. It illuminates the path right around me with a small circle of light, but beyond that, there is only darkness. I can hear sounds all around me, but I cannot determine which way to go. The ground beneath … Continue reading The Path
Just like moons and like suns with certainty of tides, just like hopes springing high. Still I rise The tattoo on my left arm is a constant reminder of this poem by Maya Angelou (you can read the whole thing here). I decided to get this tattoo on my 30th birthday because those words "still … Continue reading Still I rise
I stood in the chancel of our sanctuary wearing muddy sneakers on Sunday. (and for those of you who will say "no one noticed or cared!", you've obviously never worked in a church. Someone will always notice. Once several years ago, I got the evil eye from a pianist during the service because I had … Continue reading Muddy shoes and choir robes
"I'm sensing some animosity. I HELPED YOU TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND!", she said it with a smirk, but there was some truth behind it. In my defense, I wasn't trying to be animus. I was just trying to be snarky, in a funny, acerbic way. No doubt there were people who stood by me in … Continue reading Holding the mirror
As a Christian, I have been taught that God has a plan for my life. And, if we're taking Scripture out of context, I've been directed to Jeremiah 29:11 just in case I doubted. "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans … Continue reading God’s will and my autonomy
I sat down at my computer to create an ad for my Chorale. . .so, naturally, I thought now would be a great time to write a blog. My junior year in high school I had one of the best teachers I've ever had. Mrs. Andes taught AP US History and I can still sing … Continue reading Emilee. . .It’s only water.
I used to think I wasn't afraid of anything. Except tornadoes and house fires. And snakes. But it turns out that I'm afraid of just about everything. Failing. Being lonely. Being with people (sometimes. Depends on the situation). Being wrong. Being annoying. (Oops.) Being rejected. Being unwanted. Fear is powerful. It is strong. It is … Continue reading That’s kinda scary.
As far as I'm concerned, it's the Christmas season. I know we haven't even gotten to Halloween, yet, and (in Dallas) it's still 80 degrees outside, but. . .what's your point? Christmas, for me, is a wonderful time to really contemplate on the birth and death of Jesus. I know, I know. That's Easter. Except, … Continue reading Those are funny baby gifts.
Today, at preschool, one of my kids didn't eat much of his lunch. It was a nice lunch, a nut butter sandwich on whole grain bread, string cheese, strawberries, and tomatoes. He picked at it, but left quite a bit. Not long after, he walked by an old animal cracker on the floor, bent down … Continue reading That old animal cracker.
The Messy Faithful 