Finding Peace Outside

Recently I have been wrestling with a deep (and unnecessary) disappointment, a let-down that pressed hard on still-tender tissue beneath old scars. Things didn’t have to go this way, and yet they did and I’ve done all I can do. I have also noticed something interesting in my response to this turn of events: I … Continue reading Finding Peace Outside

Fear & Peace

For two long days last week as my pastor-husband prepared a sermon, I overheard his end of several zoom interviews asking people two questions: What causes you fear? and How have you encountered Jesus at your point of fear? I couldn’t hear their answers, so I pondered my own responses to questions I’d been asking … Continue reading Fear & Peace

Advent 3: Preserve Peace (2019)

True confession: I worked on this post yesterday and got confused on my dates. I thought today would be December 14 and so the invitation should read: "Preserve Peace." My partner in creativity made two beautiful images, only recognizing my mistake after she had them ready. Thing is, I think Jesus does that sometimes. He … Continue reading Advent 3: Preserve Peace (2019)

Cultivating Quiet

To increase happiness, I made a commitment in January to practice silence by minimizing noise and negativity of all sorts. Since then, I’ve given myself permission to turn off the car radio when there isn’t a song that moves me. Music off, I get to sit with my thoughts for the duration of the drive—and … Continue reading Cultivating Quiet

Advent 3 – Longing for the Prince of Peace

When I chose "recreate" as my 2017 word of the year, I anticipated keeping on keeping on with my creative life pursuits while engaging more playfully. I did not expect the mess, the dusty piles that result from taking things apart in order to make something new. I didn't expect the directions the word would … Continue reading Advent 3 – Longing for the Prince of Peace

Merry Christmas 2016!

In a world of broken promises, a world of broken peace, a world of brokenness, oh how we need the promises of God, fulfilled in Jesus! Today, more than ever, I am praying for peace for people everywhere, especially for those who cannot call Christmas "merry." Advent Wreath Candlelighting for Christmas – The Promise Fulfilled … Continue reading Merry Christmas 2016!

chronic…peace?

My sister has battled a chronic illness for 12.5 years, one that almost killed her at first and kept her in a medically-induced coma for most of the next five months. She has been in and out of countless doctors' offices and in the hospital too regularly. It's quite possible that, in any given year, she sees … Continue reading chronic…peace?

Sharing Creativity and Time

Some days I consider that I need a creative pastime that doesn't involve words or, specifically, my computer. And on those days I think of my friend Jen, who quietly, humbly, and persistently creates works of whimsical beauty with her hands. Jen is always good for a smile, a laugh, a story, a listening ear, and … Continue reading Sharing Creativity and Time