Common-sense grace for the try-hard girl
Almost four years ago, I left my role as the children’s pastor at our former church. While I love kids and Jesus and telling kids about Jesus, it was clear it was time for me to walk away from ministry. In January, I started my role as the communications director at our current church. Working […]
If we’ve ever met for coffee in real life, you’ve heard me say, “I heard on a podcast once…” Podcasts just might be my love language. I’ve wanted to start my own for years, but the timing never felt quite right. It wasn’t fear or lack of technical knowledge that stopped me from launching a […]
As a little girl, I knew Jesus was born to save me from my sins, which seemed the only reason anyone ever talked about as to why Jesus came to earth at all. And friends, Jesus did come to earth to live the life we could never live and die the death we deserved. He […]
You should know I had a perm in the early 1980s. You should also know my mom was sick on first-grade picture day. And yes, these two realities collided. With no idea what to do with me, my dad sent me to school in a navy blue sweatshirt, purple corduroy jeans, and a brushed-out perm. […]
We’re not taking any big vacations this summer. We’ll go to swim team, the library, and camp, but nothing spectacular will show up on my Instagram feed. In my right-now life, this sounds wonderful and perfect, but when I scroll through social media and see your awesome vacation or how amazing you look in your bikini, […]
Here’s a try-hard girl sharing some common-sense grace! I knew that Rebekah was a kindred spirit when I read her book You Are Free. Here’s what caught my attention: “I’ve run the hamster wheel of achievement and acceptance; a headstrong, Type-A control freak, looking for love.” Religion, responsibility, popularity, approval and achievement reigned in her […]
While training for a half-marathon several years ago, nothing—neither hell nor high water—could prevent me from accomplishing my goal. I ran at 5 a.m. in below-freezing temperatures. I ran when my health was not great. I ran when my feet ached and screamed, “Please don’t make us put on those shoes!” For me, goal-achievement reigns […]
Over the salty, umami goodness of Mediterranean food, my friend Melissa and I talk about life, kids, and work. She’s an entrepreneur who’s working hard to build a successful business. And then, somewhere in the middle of our conversation, Melissa said the most interesting thing… “I’m learning that it doesn’t have to look a certain way.” […]
Amid the hustle and bustle I’m living, I yearn to hear songs like Silent Night and Away in a Manger. These songs evoke feelings of peace on earth and mercy mild, quiet and stillness, a baby swaddled and mother holding him tight. Quaint. Sweet. Loving. Safe. Familiar. But this year is different. I’m ready to […]
Take a minute to imagine this with me… You have two kids, and you want to make their Christmas magical. You hatch the best plan, 25 days of Christmas, that includes an activity, craft, or treat each day. You’re excited to create Christmas traditions and make memories. In walks reality. A few days in, your […]