Confessions of a Flagging Diva

This morning as I drove to Canyon Park, I saw a construction crew ahead. Fortunately I noticed in time to safely turn around when I saw the “Expect Delays” sign. Seconds later, the screen of my mind pushed the rewind button. I almost smelled the fresh asphalt as I reflected on the “ghosts” of Christmas…

“R” is for Resentment

About a year ago, I attended a meeting in which the topic was resentment. I thought, “Oh I’m so glad I don’t have resentment toward anyone.” A lovely, fun woman next to me said she used to think she had no resentment toward anyone. Many others shared, and I deeply searched my heart. Then I…

The Bracelet: Reflections on Unmotherhood

When I was ten, I bought a bracelet at Goodwill. My family didn’t have much money, so finding such a thing was beyond special. I felt the lime green bracelet was the most beautiful thing I ever owned. I noticed a few scratches in it, but cherished the precious bangle like it was solid gold….

Caleb’s Courage: Following God Wholeheartedly

Originally posted on Raw. Real. Reflections.:
The word “wholeheartedly” almost lifted off the pages as I studied Joshua 14.  Twice  in the chapter, Caleb reminded Joshua how he had followed God wholeheartedly while the rest of the explorers “made the hearts of the people melt with fear.” Quite a word picture. I envisioned them shaking, dripping with sweat, as they lost…

Reflections on Gratitude: Letters of Thanks to God

Years ago, I began a tradition of writing a thank you letter to God. Each November I sat with pen in hand, silently reflecting in solitude on the gracious gifts God bestowed on me. If you could have looked into the window of my soul at the time, I possessed few belongings. I left my abusive…

If You’ve Dared to Love a Dog: In Memory of Custer

If you’ve dared to love a dog, you’ve opened your heart up to a world of unconditional love that reflects God’s love for you. Just as God loves you more than all the words in the dictionary could describe, dogs are capable of reflecting a similar love that isn’t based on performance. They just love…

Beauty in Brokenness

(Note: I apologize for the long post. Normally my posts are 300-500 words. Think of it as chapter 1 of a book.) Brokenness, I now believe,  exudes beauty. Like a kaleidoscope, the shattered pieces of our souls display splendor against the dark canvases of our hearts. The mosaic of our stories paint powerful pieces of art. But during…

Unwrapping the Heart of Christmas

A few years ago, shortly after I put away the Thanksgiving dishes, I started to panic.  How would I get Christmas together?  My heart raced and my palms felt sweaty as I thought of everything I had to do before the big day – shop, decorate, bake, wrap gifts, clean, cook, and attend celebrations.  Wait a…

Reflections on Gratitude: Letters of Thanks to God

Years ago, I began a tradition of writing a thank you letter to God.  Each November I sat with pen in hand, silently reflecting in solitude on the gracious gifts God bestowed on me. If you could have looked into the windows of my life at the time, I possessed few belongings.  I left my…