At the beginning of every new year I choose a focus word. Nothing fancy, special, or magical about it. Just a simple word that I can rely on throughout the year. My word helps me clarify and articulate my vision for the year. It helps me stay focused and set goals that help me accomplish … More A Dirty, Four-Letter Word.
When I was a little girl, there were only two things I wanted to be when I grew up. Sure, I went through a few phases here and there. With my long hair wound into 2 tight buns, I ran around the neighborhood as Princess Leia wielding my lightsaber and blaster {which were really just … More Call me, “Coach.”
Sometimes it sneaks up behind me; taps me on the shoulder when I least expect it. Sometimes I go toe-to-toe, stare it down, and double-dog dare it to try to take me down. Sometimes I wrestle it through the night until dawn….and walk away with a limp like Jacob’s. But all the time I know … More Facing Fear
Lately, I’ve been doing something very dangerous and up until now, it’s been my little secret. When my alarm goes off somewhere between 5-5:15am, I’ve been stumbling down the stairs and heading straight for the coffee pot. After I’ve had one sufficiently long, glorious sip I gather my Bible, journal, devotional, pens, and highlighters. Then, … More Just Change Me.
Sobering, yet exciting. Awful, yet awesome. Overflowing with regret, yet bursting with anticipation. Every year, during Holy Week, I wrestle with these dichotomies as the days tick down to my single favorite holiday of them all–Easter. Christmas is welcomed after endless months of planning, and running, and wrapping. Thanksgiving comes after days of cooking and baking. … More The Promise.
Pencils without erasers. They are my pet peeve. No less than 30 times in any given school year (okay, maybe 30 is a slight exaggeration…) I load my 3 homeschoolers into our van and off to Target we go. This mid-schoolday trip forces us to endure the side-eye glances of curious shoppers that seem to ask … More Writing Your Masterpiece
One day, we went walking through a 550-year old lava field….. What? You never started a sentence like that? Well, neither did I; until just last week, that is. Last week we did something we never, ever do: We took our kids on vacation. To most of you this may mean nothing at all. … More Bloom.
Every year I do it–I pick just one, small word. I call it my Focus Word, mostly because I’m not creative enough to come up with a fancy name for it. It’s one word that sums up all my intentions for each new year. I use the word to keep me grounded, challenge myself to … More One Word
Over 20 years ago, I was running. I was running on the track and cross-country team at my high school. I met two girls named Jeannie and Kim. They were patient. They went out of their way to be kind to me….giving me rides to and from practices and meets. They listened quietly as I ranted … More The Musketeers and Their King
my anchored life: 