I am married to the Clark Griswold of Halloween. He has successfully trained up all of our children to love scaring people as much as he does. They call themselves “The Halloween Planning Committee” and they literally spend this entire month plotting and scheming to create a graveyard of horrors guaranteed to frighten grown adults … More Face Your Fears: Seek.
Cross country is a wonderful sport…strange, but wonderful. I’ll never forget the time a dear friend came to see me run in college and after my race she walked up and said, “Well, that was the strangest thing I’ve ever seen. The gun went off and all the runners took off running and the spectators … More Face your Fears: Plan.
To the ordinary person, the tree in my front flower bed is nothing more than just a pretty piece of landscaping. But, one day last week, I discovered that it’s something so much more. For several days I noticed that every time the front door opened, a bird came shooting out of it and flew … More After the Storm
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’
Lately, I’ve been remembering. Someone close to me is walking a path I’m all too familiar with so I’ve been her “person.” I’m the one she calls when she’s spiraling. The one she calls when she’s processing. The one she calls when she needs safe ears to absorb all the cuss words. I’ve heard that … More Marking the Moments.
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
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.
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.
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?
Oops…I did it again. And again. And again… I listened. I heard the whisper, and I stopped to listen. It was pleasant enough, at first–soothing, sweet…almost seductive. It affirmed my suspicions. Told me all the things I already knew. It made me feel comfortable. But after weeks listening I began to slowly recognize the voice. … More Listening.
my anchored life: 