Are you comfortable as a traveler?

I stared out the window of the moving train, mesmerized by the unfamiliarity of everything before me.  The writer in me longed to pull out my phone and document the foreign nature of this place. Reaching for it, I glanced around the train. No one else...

What’s playing on repeat?

Do any of these sound familiar?  "I'm a failure."  "I'm a disappointment." "I'm weak."  "I'm nothing." Or maybe you hear “I’m all by myself. I’m unlovable. I’m not good enough.”  We all have lies we hear in our minds, sometimes on constant replay. These lies are accusations, not from God, but whispers straight...

When the world rests

The view outside my window is blanketed in white. Schools and businesses are closed, and for once, there’s no reason to rush out of our cocoon. This pause feels like a gift - white space to rest without guilt when the world itself slows down. Rest is...

What voice is louder?

Looking right at me, she said, “Would you mind speaking at our next meeting?” I inhaled sharply. There was no way she could know about the tongue-tied, sweaty ball of nerves I became when speaking in front of an audience. It hadn’t always been this way. In school,...

Maybe it’s time to start

“What in the world?” I said to myself as a careless, judgmental thought crossed my mind. It wasn’t just a one-time reaction - it had become a pattern I was slowly beginning to recognize. Sarcastic and cynical jabs toward people and situations were creeping into my...

Did You Bring Popcorn?

Sitting down in the velvety theater seat, I balanced my popcorn on my lap and slid my drink into the cupholder. The lights dimmed, and I settled in, ready for the adventure to begin. With a racing heart, I sat on the edge of my seat,...

What are Your “No’s” for November?

On the shore of the lake, I sit watching my children fish with their dad. Quietly and patiently, I wait as each child casts their bait into the water. Each one eagerly anticipates the joy of a fish on the line.  Waiting, hoping, and laughing together in the...

Life or Death: The Power of What We Speak

My friend's face conveyed shock and hurt. The careless, harsh comment I tossed her direction landed like a grenade in the middle of our friendly lunch. Justification was futile. The damage was already done. The shrapnel from my words cut right through to my friend's heart. ~~~ I threw open...

A Prayer and a Purpose

"Lord, give us clarity and direction for the next step. We want more of you and less of us." Sitting silently around the kitchen table, Cari and I wait for an answer. This prayer is uttered from our mouths regularly, as our hearts yearn to only go...