It is what it is

I’ve despised this statement my whole life.  So when I hear someone say, “Well, it is what it is,” I translate it into passivity. I’m a doer and I bring change. However, through my trials over the last few years, I’ve given in to the lie that nothing is changeable; and slowly started accepting it. …

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Don’t worry, I’ve got you.

On a spring hike, I decided to walk a short portion of the trail to find a quiet space. The snowy steps were too slick for my tennis shoes, but I hiked on.  The sound of the roaring waterfall, the gentle breeze inspired the pines to sing, and a bluebird flew past as I exhaled.…

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When God changes the plan

I’d outlined my message for the interview, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Things podcast, with host, Nancy Bruscher. The topic of discussion was relationships and marriage from my book, Free to Receive. I’d prayed about my points and I was ready. I like unscripted, real conversations, but the morning of the interview, God changed the message. At first, I…

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What’s going right

The reclaimed wood caught my eye, the saying captured my heart. It whispered a different kind of prayer; one that I already knew how to do, but often forget. Prayers of gratitude. Daily I give thanks to God, but I do have a lot of requests. As I studied this art, the gentle words brought…

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A new name

At an animal shelter, we looked through the glass windows studying the names and faces. Each cubical reflected affectionate looks silently screaming, Choose me, PLEASE! Some dogs had stories, others had no known background. Our gaze met with blue eyes. I chuckled at the sight of him. “Is he a little cross-eyed? He looks like Kevin from the…

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Questions

Asking ourselves loving questions brings internal clarity and sheds light on our perceptions. With examination, we no longer sit on the sidelines, but are gracefully led to transformation. I’ve been camping on these: Additionally, asking questions to others such as these, often makes room for curiosity and reframes to invoke change—without fixing. Like multiplying wildflowers, questions…

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When all joy is lost

Laughter abounded while visiting with my friend.  We shared deeply.  Tears formed. I felt her sufferings. Some I hadn’t experienced, others were close to my heart. Life has an ebb and flow; happiness and heartache. And the two can merge like serene ocean and hurricane ravaged land. It can feel like you’ve lost your joy…

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Deeper

I’ve been taking a sabbatical day once a month since January.   My June adventure took me to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs. I was excited until the day I woke up. It was raining. Wind, cold, mixed with some hail. Is it really June in Colorado? I’d hoped that God would change His mind about…

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Not Everything is a Lesson

First, the disappointment came. I cried out, “Why God? I’m a faithful servant!” The more I pondered the situation, the more angry I became. I wanted justice. I got angry with God. We had some words. Or should I say, I had words with Him. Then I prayed that He’d understand my heart. And that I’d…

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The labyrinth

My spiritual director, Ruth, gave some basic instructions about walking the labyrinth. Then we sat in the stillness of the morning. She moved toward the entrance first. I remained seated. The only noise was the earth under her feet. A rumble of thunder from looming clouds was my signal to begin the holy walk. I…

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