During the last week of 2020 I greeted neighbors with a sing-song, “Happier New Year!” One replied, “It’s got to get better, right?” to which I responded, “I’m not sure how it can get much worse.” My husband raised his eyebrows. “Don’t tempt fate,” he warned. We knew to expect that 2021 would continue the … Continue reading 21 Ways to Jump Start Joy
Author: Siv Ricketts
Hi, I'm Siv (pronounced "See-v") Ricketts, & I'm so glad you're here. In this space & on Instagram, I write to encourage you to have hope, seek beauty, and live joyfully. I have BA’s in English and Communication from Westmont College and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. I have focused my career working in and writing for the Church as a youth director, a communication director, and a freelance writer/editor. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my husband, two sons, and a menagerie of pets. You can also find me on Instagram (@sivricketts).
Setting Goals & Making Progress
I don’t make resolutions, but I do set goals. Hmm, aren’t “resolutions” and “goals” two words for the same thing? Resolutions: a firm decision to do or not do something.Goals: the object of a person's effort; an aim or desired result. So, yes, “resolutions” and “goals” may be interchangeable. Maybe I’m mincing words, engaging in … Continue reading Setting Goals & Making Progress
Morning Encouragement for Night Owls
“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what … Continue reading Morning Encouragement for Night Owls
You’re Doing Your Best
Except for the poor night’s sleep (sick kid), I would have walked the dogs in the morning. Except for the stomach that cramped as we headed up the hill (did I catch kid’s sickness?), we would have walked the longer route. We passed the house a few streets away where we alternately have seen a … Continue reading You’re Doing Your Best
20 Lessons We Learned in 2020
Image by Thanks for your Like • donations welcome from Pixabay Washing your hands thoroughly means singing Happy Birthday twice.People are weird and toilet paper is a commodity.Who the introverts and extroverts areHow to work, learn, and celebrate via Zoom, and how to unmuteWe think we crave “normal” but we really desire the familiar comfort … Continue reading 20 Lessons We Learned in 2020
2020: My Year in Books
In January I set two reading goals. In my Not 20 for 2020 list, I included an intention to read four books a month. On Goodreads I set a slightly higher goal of reading 55 books. Goodreads reports that I've read 80 books. That's 145% of my 55 book goal, 24,874 pages, and 32 books … Continue reading 2020: My Year in Books
Christmas 2020: The Light of the World
Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay Christmas – The Light of the World Say aloud together: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Light all the candles: We light these candles to celebrate Jesus, who comes into the … Continue reading Christmas 2020: The Light of the World
Advent 4: The Light of Joy
Photo by Jill Wellington from Pixabay Week 4 – The Light of JoyDecember 20-23 Say aloud together: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Light four candles: We light these candles to celebrate Jesus, who comes into the … Continue reading Advent 4: The Light of Joy
Grief Balms: Snow Globes & Beauty Emergencies
Grief seems to be at every corner this year. Many of us have shared occasions for grief, such as illness and death, the loss of normalcy, shuttered shops and closed schools, dwindling dollars in our bank accounts, isolation and loneliness. Most of us also have personal reasons for grief. For two weeks I haven’t left … Continue reading Grief Balms: Snow Globes & Beauty Emergencies
Advent 3: The Light of Glory
image by Pexels from Pixabay Week 3 – The Light of Glory December 13-19 Say aloud together: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Light three candles (two purple, one pink): We light these candles to celebrate Jesus, who … Continue reading Advent 3: The Light of Glory