Juiced

I woke up on day one to a text from my aunt in Arizona. She sent me a scripture and a photo of her juice. I am the person who does this kind of stuff for other people, and I am not used to being on the receiving end. It is humbling, encouraging, and it … Continue reading Juiced →

Plan A

I have learned over time that there are two things I need when making a big change, a life change. The first is time. Time to prepare mentally, to make a plan. The other is accountability. When I quit smoking, for instance, I knew for years that I wanted to quit. I would throw full … Continue reading Plan A →

I Am Weak

Have you ever had to wait for the results of a blood test? As we age, our doctors will order routine blood work just to make sure everything is normal. Some of us will get a little apprehensive even though we have no symptoms. But that is not what I am talking about. Have you … Continue reading I Am Weak →

At the Ark Door

My husband and I took our kids to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky this week. As we climbed on the tram to go from the parking lot to the exhibit, I could see a portion of the wooden boat behind the hills between us. As we sped around the last corner - for a … Continue reading At the Ark Door →

The Benefits of the Passenger Seat

Have you ever wondered who paved the road you are driving on? Or who ran the plumbing that your water comes from when you turn on the shower? I will admit that I seldom consider who put in the effort so long ago so that I could benefit today. Maybe I have had too much … Continue reading The Benefits of the Passenger Seat →

Sinking

I was five years old the first time I remember leaving Phoenix. On a hot summer night, my mother loaded up her red Toyota pickup truck with all of the belongings she could fit, and my sister and I climbed in next to her. I don't remember what specific emotions I was feeling, but they … Continue reading Sinking →

De Novo

I learned a new term this week. De novo is defined simply as starting anew. As a legal term - a de novo appeal - it means that you are requesting that your case be reviewed with fresh eyes, without prejudice to the verdict handed down at the original trial. I can imagine that it … Continue reading De Novo →

I Am Enough

I spent last Sunday night in the emergency room. At around 9 o'clock in the evening, I called my husband into the bedroom where I was lying down. When he asked what I needed I told him I wasn't sure, just that I needed him. I am not a needy person, and may have never … Continue reading I Am Enough →

I Surrender All

"Hold it all together, everybody needs you strong. But life hits you out of nowhere, barely leaves you holding on." This is the beginning of Just Be Held by the Christian rock group Casting Crowns. This song has been my anthem this week. Monday began with denial. On Tuesday my fear of birds was set … Continue reading I Surrender All →

Garden Update

I took a gardening class about eighteen months ago. The instructor talked about starting from seed vs. starting with purchased plants, and in the end she recommended that we "just buy plants!" I could have listened to her advice, as she had way more experience than I did, but I wanted my kids to experience … Continue reading Garden Update →