Of the Extra-Ordinariness of Life

What’s Next?

I haven’t been able to get this thought out of my head since last week. I have been thinking about what’s next for this blog, what’s next for my family, what’s next for our church and what’s next for the 16 people who made a life changing decision to take a chance on Christ this … Continue reading »

In Which I Admit I am Not…

I am learning a lot of things as I practice writing this blog. I put a lot of pressure on myself by just throwing it all our there and admitting my lenten commitment to the world a few weeks ago. I have kept it, but somehow put this unreasonable pressure on myself to come out … Continue reading »

When “Busy” Wins the Day

– INCLUDING ME (and possibly you) When busy wins the day, you have to take a deep breath and start over tomorrow. So today, that’s what I will do. My days don’t always start and end perfectly. Even if they do, they don’t always turn out as planned. Sometimes, I have deadlines that don’t allow … Continue reading »

Why I’ll Wait One More Day

Sometimes even the best of us aren’t very good at taking our own advice. Not too long ago, I wrote about being too busy and what it means to have margin . I’ve had way too much busy and certainly not enough margin recently. Anyone with me here? I think it is safe to say … Continue reading »

Accommodating Martha’s Bicycle

Sunday a woman named Martha rode her bicycle to church. She didn’t park it outside the door. She brought it in with her. Of course, the natural response is to ask her to park it outside the door. She politely refused because she was afraid someone would steal it. This is when I stepped in. … Continue reading »

Everybody Needs a Little Time Away

I think this Easter Sunday might have been one of the best yet. We had a photo taken with my family for the first time in 3 years – entirely too long. You’ll see my brother Kevin (and my parents) in the pic below and can read about him here (in my most popular blog … Continue reading »

Have Hope

Have Hope… Belle drew this when we first moved to Virginia. I have kept it on my wall ever since. It made me smile and still does. Back then, it reminded to hope for better days. When I see it now, I am grateful for the way God has cared for us and makes me … Continue reading »

Beautiful, Scandalous Night Revisted (A Holy Week Reflection)

I Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. Because words are still important… The Atonement: Beautiful Scandalous Night from At the Foot of the Cross – Clouds, Fire, Rain Go on … Continue reading »

Maundy Thursday Reflections

Maundy Thursday – today I reflect on Jesus’ last meal with His friends. He loved them all, even His betrayer. On this night, Jesus takes the time to serve those He loves by washing their feet, a task usually reserved for servants. He humbles himself. He pours out the water to cleanse their feet and … Continue reading »

Reflections (A Mid-Week Meandering Post)

We had a beautiful thunderstorm here today. It was peaceful (even the lightening) and made me long for summer days to come. It is fun to watch the kids get creative when they are accustomed to playing outside so much lately. For me, today was more than a little rough. I longed to drive to … Continue reading »

Reflections

Whenever I think of reflecting, I always think of nature. I grew up in the mountains and whenever I wanted to be quiet or alone with my thoughts, I would drive to the top of the mountain. I would crawl over the ledge, dangle my legs and look out over the vast beauty surrounding me. … Continue reading »

Do The Right Thing

I’ve been thinking about this idea of “do the right thing” since Saturday. We had company coming in and I was making a very last minute run to the grocery store. My cart was full. I had milk and some other things on the bottom. The cashier took her scanner under the cart but I … Continue reading »

9 Years Later (A Mid-Week Meandering Post)

I wish I knew the secret of time. There are days that go by so quickly and other days seem never ending. There are days I feel like Brian and I just got married and others where it feels we’ve been doing this for a lifetime. It’s nothing compared to 20, 30 or even 50 … Continue reading »

Keep Moving Forward

If you stick around here very long, you will soon find out that I’m a huge Disney fan – always have been. I grew up in Central Florida so naturally I went a lot. It was in my back yard. I worked there during college. My Dad worked there. I took my kids there before … Continue reading »

Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time. Just the mere mention of this phrase and you know what’s coming – a story. This post is about why story is so important. My story, your story, everyone has a story. It is the story that makes us feel a connection to one another. What made my last post resonate … Continue reading »

Why Down Syndrome is So Important

Psalm 139:13-18 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I … Continue reading »

Saving It (The Post) for Another Day

Lest you think me unprepared, I have two posts almost ready to go. Tonight, though I’m taking a step back. The sun has set and my day has been incredibly long in the best way. It has been full of taking care of and spending time with wonderful people. I wouldn’t have it any other … Continue reading »

Mid-Week Meandering

It is Wednesday again and I am taking a deep breath and slowing up a bit like I always do. I am thinking about a trip to my friend April’s with the kids, Jamaica and some type of mini-getaway for me and the hubs for our 9th anniversary. Instead of coming up with something lovely … Continue reading »

When Couponing Goes Wrong

I told you it was coming in one of my very first posts. I think I have my thoughts together – maybe. So, here we go… DISCLAIMER: I have never written one, but obviously felt the need to include one this time. Just FYI, this is my own personal story. My intent is not to … Continue reading »

Another Mid-Week Meandering

Here it is – that middle of the road post that’s all about me. I said I would do it, but still don’t really know what to say. I had my hair cut and colored again. I think this one is way more fun. I feel ready for Spring and sun! What can I say, … Continue reading »

While You Were Sleeping

Last night while you were sleeping my heart was overwhelmed with love with joy with heartache too The days go by too fast Last night while you were sleeping i stood over your bed and watched amazed bewildered by the boy and girl you have become Last night while you were sleeping i asked God … Continue reading »

The Magic of Family Dinner

I believe in family dinners. I think they are magical. They remind us of who we are and where we come from and quite honestly, they make us slow down and notice one another. For a few years now there has been a lot of talk in America about why eating together is important. There … Continue reading »

Great Expectations…Sort of

Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of … Continue reading »

Mid-Week Meanderings

Meander: to proceed by or take a winding or indirect course That’s me. Always taking the scenic route. Must be why I love nature and love to travel so much. During college, I traveled – a lot. I’ve seen a lot of the world and can’t wait to see more. I get something called the … Continue reading »

Finding My Own Rhythm

I want to dance. I wish I could dance. I am fascinated by it completely. I so wish I was that artful and graceful or hip and smooth. It’s not my gift. In spite of that, I will choose to look all kinds of ridiculous just to participate. Sometimes, rhythm in life is not my … Continue reading »

Don’t Be a Blamer

This is the phrase of the week of my house. Here’s how the story goes… Even though this picture was taken a couple of weeks ago, this is how my son looked yesterday morning. This is how my son looked by bedtime last night. Now some of you may be thinking about how handsome and … Continue reading »

Beautiful Scandalous Night

For Amey I Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. Believe it or not, I’m a music junkie. Once upon a time, I lived, ate and breathed nothing but music. I … Continue reading »

Indecision May or May Not Be My Problem

I didn’t choose this title because I’m a huge Jimmy Buffet fan, but obviously I know enough about him to know it is a line from one of his songs. I like art and music and love to create. I just don’t do it enough. I like to create in the kitchen too. This blog … Continue reading »

Clean Up Your Own Mess…

that is what I teach my kids. It is a simple lesson that is usually learned early on, but easily forgotten as we get older. It is easy to think of messes in terms of dirty dishes and laundry and toys on the floor. When the kids were younger it felt like all I did … Continue reading »

Almost Wordless Wednesday

I don’t really have much to say today, so I won’t try to work something up. Dark, rainy days are usually quiet and contemplative for me. The little man wanted to make brownies this rainy afternoon. So, we did. My girl helped me cook dinner tonight while the little man was out with his Dad. … Continue reading »

OUCH!

Every Tuesday night I lead a small group with some really wonderful ladies. We are currently reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship. I read it for the first time in 1996. It is actually my fourth read and something different gets me every time. Even though I shouldn’t be amazed, I always find it … Continue reading »

Better Late Than Never

Colossians 3:15-17 says, “Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct … Continue reading »

Rest for the Weary

The old saying is that there is no rest for the weary. I say there is. You just have to take it. For now, there won’t be weekend posts, unless I’m just feeling unusually inspired. Several of my blogger friends posted link-ups on their blogs for Saturday. I thought that was a great idea. So, … Continue reading »

The Day of a Thousand “I’m Sorry”s

Or at least it felt that way. [Cue Music - Chicago "It's Hard for Me to Say I'm Sorry" - I can't get it out of my head!] It’s just a hunch, but I’m guessing (and hoping) that you have had those days too. The tricky part for me is when I know I’m justified … Continue reading »

Erring on the Side of People

Erring on the side of people means letting them in – to your life, your heart, your home. Sometimes even on the days that you want nothing more than to hole yourself away and pretend that no one or nothing else exists. This even happens to extroverts like myself. Though I didn’t want to hole … Continue reading »