On a regular night, many years ago, a simple man and his simple friends gathered for dinner. The friends talked and laughed. They argued and teased one another. And right there–in the middle of it all–the simple man did something simply extraordinary. Rising quietly from the dinner table, he picked up a towel and a … More Just Say ‘Yes’
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
It’s that time of year again. Days filled with lists and ads and endless hours of shopping. The time when we run from store to store getting all the supplies and get cramps in our hands from all the check-writing. Workbook fees, athletic fees, class dues, and yearbook fees all come due at the exact … More Emergency Contacts.
Once upon a time I thought I’d be a world traveller. I’d join the Peace Corps or spend my life on the mission field. I’d build schools and teach in them. I’d learn languages and cultures and all about the people. I’d teach them and they’d teach me about their customs and traditions and what … More On Change.
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.
I have a confession to make. Sometimes I get on my knees to pray and {for just a tiny, split-second} I wonder if Anyone is actually listening. In one week’s time, a beautiful wife & mother of 4 young children lost her year-long battle with brain cancer. That freaking repulsive tumor stripped her of her … More Abandoned?
Change is beckoning. Calling to me from around the corner–blinking like a blue-light special at the Kmart we frequented when I was a child. As a military wife of almost 17 years my purpose has been easy–be “the constant.” In a life that changes with every TDY, PCS, job title, and promotion I have always … More My purpose (?)
She is the one who resembles me the most. She’s a bookworm who loves to read and she carries her journal everywhere we go in case she gets a good idea for the story she’s writing. She’s sensitive, but outspoken; feisty, melodramatic, adventurous, and loves a good laugh. She mimics my facial expressions when she talks … More Mini-Me.
Double-knotted shoes. Favorite playlist on pause. Watch ready at 00.00. This is my routine. I check each one as I walk out the door and then it begins. Everytime I do this I spend the first few minutes wondering, why? My knee and foot ache…scar tissue reminding me of my glory days. Eight months of … More Not weak.
my anchored life: 