One of my kids has been struggling with sleep this month. She used to sleep eleven hours per night; now she can’t fall asleep or sleep longer than a couple hours at a time. We’ve done our best to develop healthy sleep hygiene habits and a consistent bedtime routine, and we’re following a protocol set … Continue reading Advocate and Intercessor
family
Thrilled to Be Here
My kids are growing up too fast. I’ve been saying that for at least 15 years. One of them recently got her driver’s license, started a job, and attended a college preview day. She reminded me that next Christmas will be her last before she graduates high school. Selah. It’s wild how much you can … Continue reading Thrilled to Be Here
Dear Church
Dear Church, It’s time we do better. Pastors, leaders, elders, deacons, congregants, volunteers, givers. Collectively. It’s time. Let’s. Do. Better. The church is meant to be a place of restoration, reconciliation, and redemption. It’s supposed to be a safe place. Instead, we’ve experienced retaliation and rejection. Again. I grieve for the bitter tastes of organized … Continue reading Dear Church
Church Hurt
“Familiarity breeds contempt.” The pain is recognizable. The parallels are shocking. The red flags became clearer much quicker this time. It’s hard not to filter this experience through the previous one. There must be more to learn here. “Familiarity breeds contempt.” But maybe there’s another way forward this time. Maybe the familiarity can instead spark … Continue reading Church Hurt
Anchor
It’s been a long 6 months… and I have missed sharing in this space. Originally I took a break from blogging to focus on motherhood; the work-home balance had pushed me to my limits. Instead, parenting a child with special needs took some unexpectedly hard twists and turns. Add in some stress and overwhelm (and … Continue reading Anchor
In Loving Memory
Last weekend my sister and I took a quick trip to Seattle to see family and attend a memorial for our Grandma Ries. Rosemary’s story was often a mystery to us. I’ve been told her life was not an easy one. I’ve always wondered why she disliked and avoided having her picture taken. I feel … Continue reading In Loving Memory
Dear Children
Your resilience knows no bounds. In new places, surrounded by new faces, you keep showing up. You shine and you sparkle. You reflect God’s love and you give Him glory. You persevere; you don’t give up. You make a decision, and you move forward boldly toward your goals. You overcome negativity and naysayers. You triumph, … Continue reading Dear Children
My Race to Run 