We put up our Christmas tree a week or two earlier than usual this year. Really, we hadn’t planned on heading to the local tree farm two days after Thanksgiving, nor had we woken up thinking we’d adorn the house in kitschy decorations while turkey and mashed potatoes still festered in the fridge. If I’m honest, I’ll tell you that in previous years I’ve wagged my finger at people who play Christmas songs in November, who delight in the green and... Read more
A couple of months ago I had the privilege of attending the Collegeville Institute alongside a dozen other spiritual writers. Over the next couple of months you’ll meet some of these writers, either through books they’ve written or through a series of essays about faith entitled, “Where Art Thou?” Today, I can’t wait to introduce you to Jane Dawson, a Canadian writers whose essays hold a beautiful blend of the sacred and the profane. Enjoy! — “In every era, God calls to every one” claims a Hasidic... Read more
Sometimes, compassion arrives when a railroad bolt gets stuck in the back tire of your car. I suppose this might seem like the biggest inconvenience of all, after all, who would want to leave the house by 6:25 in the morning to drive half an hour to the nearest Costco in order to be the first in line? (For the record, I was also not the only human with this brilliant idea, for my arrival at 6:56 am warranted the coveted fourth spot in line).... Read more
A change has entered my vocabulary over the last couple of weeks: I’ve been overtly intentional about speaking praise, especially around my two sons. “I really love the way you share your toys, buddy.” “Wow! It was really considerate when you spread the jam on your brother’s toast.” “I am so proud of how you were a good team player, even though you didn’t win the board game.” Even though it felt a little weird at first to speak those... Read more
Grace struck me over the side of the head a couple of nights ago and all I could do was shake my head in wonder. I guess I hadn’t noticed how deeply entrenched in grace I was until I stopped and paused and read a blinking, neon light of a sentence in a spiritual memoir about this state of grace: Only when guided by inspiration do we choose right, when we are receptive, in a state of grace. But that is rare,... Read more
A funny thing happened on the way to writing this post: I forgot about the God of Enough. I know that sentence means little to you, so let me explain. As you may know, I am a writer and a speaker; although my children question whether Mama actually has a job because she works from the kitchen and the living room and sometimes (if she’s feeling particularly writerly) her office too. Although my book has dominated much of my time over the... Read more
When someone you know is going through a hard time, shoot them a text and say, “Hey! It looks like you’re going though a hard time. I’m thinking about you” (and to quote Brene Brown), “What would support look like for you right now?” When someone you know is going through a hard time, say a little prayer or hold them in your thoughts for thirty seconds, a minute or two. When someone you know is going through a... Read more
Years ago, my path crossed with a man named Matt Boswell. Now we’re both not-so-young anymore and we’ve traveled on the path of life and perhaps changed a little bit along the way too. Regardless, it’s always an honor to showcase the words of other writers, so today I’m delighted to introduce you to Matt. His new book, The Way to Love, is just lovely …and necessary in a world that sometimes filled with more hate than love. As always, leave... Read more
I can’t stop thinking about those storms, How we’re all fighting one, How we keep clinging to hope In the midst of fighting winds. I can’t stop thinking about those storms, How it’s not always about calming the waves, But it’s about peace and stillness and rest In the boat with us. I can’t stop thinking about those storms, How I beg for respite from crashing tumult, But maybe that’s not even the point In the first place. ... Read more
Oh friends, have I got a TREAT for you today: it’s book launch day for a very special friend of mine. Ashley Hales and I have known each other for a couple of years now, to a time when both of us wondered if this whole writerly life could actually be a thing. It’s been a GIFT to see the book written on her life then launch into this world for the rest of us to read and enjoy. Like me,... Read more
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