“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
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Finding My Voice
It’s an odd thing: to be in a space that feels all too familiar, but you’re not the same person you were back then. You’ve grown, you’ve picked up some tools along the way, but here you are again. Same pain, similar story, different location. But this ending will be different than the last … Continue reading Finding My Voice
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
The Best Way to Put Fear in Its Place
In the face of fear, there are usually two responses: I just need more faithI just need to let go / get over it And the pressure builds for us to overcome our fear. We often think that increasing our productivity will decrease our fear… that adding to our holy to-do lists will quiet the … Continue reading The Best Way to Put Fear in Its Place
Courage for When You Can’t Do It All
The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. Which is why I’m so thankful to have a 48-hour retreat with the staff from our church. Perfect timing to pause the whirlwind, to connect with God and others, to enjoy the fresh mountain air (and rain)! The launch of Mint Thrift on April 8th went incredibly … Continue reading Courage for When You Can’t Do It All
My Race to Run 