We all want those “finally” moments: Finally, I’ve saved enough money to take that trip.Finally, I’ve lost the unwanted weight.Finally, I earned that raise.Finally, finally, finally, but how do we get there? Many of us either dream too big, too fast or we waffle in trying to determine the goal worth reaching for. I have … Continue reading We need goals to get to finally moments.
Tag: writing
Reading: Mar-April 2024
The most amazing recent events in my bookish life are as follows: I attended the Festival of Faith & Writing at Calvin University, where I heard great lectures on books and writing and other fascinating things writers write about, connected with old friends and met so many wonderful new people, many of whom I already … Continue reading Reading: Mar-April 2024
It’s My Birthday!
It’s my birthday! Well, when I wrote this yesterday it was my birthday... So how about a birthday introduction? I love a good celebration, but I don’t enjoy being the sudden center of attention (spotlight = okay only when I choose it, thank you very much). The year I turned 7, I asked friends not … Continue reading It’s My Birthday!
What you seek is seeking you.
Many of us make pursuit a way of life. We have chief pursuits and frivolous ones. We pursue relationships, goals, and careers while on the side pursuing leisure activities, hobbies, or passion projects. We pursue wealth and financial freedom, perhaps like a predator pursuing prey. We entertain ourselves with movies and true crime podcasts in … Continue reading What you seek is seeking you.
Beautiful Compost
Even the compost pile can be beautiful. Last month I submitted two articles to two different publications within six days. Both took a lot out of me and involved revisiting pain (more than a few tears shed) to excavate joy. Important, deep, meaningful work. Energizing and exhausting work. Last week I heard that one of … Continue reading Beautiful Compost
The Benefits of Paying Attention
I am over-the-moon that (in)courage has shared my article today. It begins: Last summer our family (my husband, teenage son, and I) took a month-long road trip through the United States as part of Dave’s pastoral sabbatical. We made a loop from our home in Northern California through the Southwest to Kentucky and back through … Continue reading The Benefits of Paying Attention
Writing as a Spiritual Practice
I will be leading a 4-week workshop on Writing as a Spiritual Practice (via Zoom). If you can tell a story to your neighbor when you meet at the mailbox, you can write. And if you’re a person of faith, you can use writing as one more tool in the toolbox to deepen your relationship … Continue reading Writing as a Spiritual Practice
Join My Community!
Friends, I am excited to announce that I have added a sign up form on my blog’s homepage so you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter. Why subscribe? 1 - You will receive an email once a month with encouraging content I won’t share elsewhere. 2 - You will receive a bonus list of five … Continue reading Join My Community!
Know Your Why
Besides caring for myself, my guys, and our small menagerie, I invest myself in writing. Why? I write to encourage those who read my words. I write to encourage… Your heartYour faith and practiceYour health and wholenessYour pursuit of lifelong learningYour commitment to justice and right actionYour creativity - even if you think you don’t … Continue reading Know Your Why
Happiness as an Animal? Meet the Quokka
A writing friend sent me some writing prompts. One in particular caught my eye: “Compare happiness to an animal.” My animal-loving son sat nearby as I read her email. I love animals, you may love animals, many of us love animals. My son takes loving animals to a whole different level. Like to an animal … Continue reading Happiness as an Animal? Meet the Quokka