The young couple hurried their toddler down the long hall to the nursery. They were late for church–again. They could blame the baby for their tardiness to church, but really, they were just adjusting to a later service time–11am–when they were used to being one of the first ones to help set up for a 9am service. “Hello, Tyson! Good to see you this morning!” Katie, the middle-aged nursery worker exclaimed to their son. “Hey, Kate.” The younger women said... Read more
I’m the first one to tell you that I’m not, nor will I ever be a “homeschooling mama”. I don’t think I have the drive to spend hours studying to make a lesson plan or researching the “best” curriculum for my children. I’m too insecure in my ability to prepare them for standardized tests, college admissions, or gainful employment. I don’t love the idea of turning my house into a classroom and honestly, I really, really love missing my kids... Read more
I truly hope you try something out this Advent. It's my favorite season, but if you can’t because your life is frantic or the thought of one more thing makes you break out in hives …take a deep breath, pour yourself a glass of wine, and resolve to do one thing…listen. To yourself and to the wooing of Jesus whose Advent hope is that you know how over the moon he is about you right now. Don't let busyness rob you of your belovedness this Advent. Read more
I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but Bulleye’s Playground has me all excited about Christmas gifts this because we’re doing something a little different. Am I the only one who feel like Christmas morning is completely and totally stressful? Even though, I try to make it meaningful with Pancake Delivery to all of our friends home for the holidays, one part of Christmas morning always, always bothers me- the speed at which my children tear through... Read more
Hey Everyone, I’m over at SheLoves this month writing again about red beans and rice I looked at my husband playing on his phone as if he had just suggested I add maple syrup to grits and try to pass it off as “Breakfast Risotto.” Why in the world would I make something so common, so everyday, for our guests? He clearly had no interest in helping me make a good impression, build lifetime friends or achieve ultimate happiness. Red... Read more
A friend of mine commented the other day, “I love your Friendship Project. I remember when you felt the same way after you moved to Boston.” Which got me thinking, ‘Yeah, I’ve been here before. I don’t know why I’m stressing out about making new friends…I managed to build life-giving and beautiful friendships in Boston, I can do the same in LA.’ Then I remembered a post I wrote four years ago when I started my blog about friendships and... Read more
One of the most surprising gifts of Allume was talking to Amena Owen Brown, the powerhouse spoken word poet who is as hilarious as she is approachable. We talked about marriage (we’re both in interracial marriages), motherhood, racism, and girlfriends. Amena, during a tea time shared her poem, “Girlfriends” which she’s contemplating changing to “Warrior Women” about the power of friendship. I posted the video to my Facebook page here. It’s amazing. In the Allume Lounge, I broke down in... Read more
I took some time off because, Allume! Which was amazing! I hope to share more with you all, but first, a HUGE, HUGE, THANK YOU to those of you who bought “Shalom in the City” shirts, those will be shipped out in the coming week. I’m easing back into mom-life so I asked my good internet friend, Sarah Quezada to share with on her own friendship project this year. Sarah’s New Year’s Resolution was to take social risks! How fun... Read more
Hey everyone! I’m at LAX at the gate waiting for flight to board! Thank you for making this happen for me! Thank you for sending a little shalom to Allume! Since I’ve posted my “leaving for Allume” status there’s been enough interest in giving towards the fundraiser that I’m posting one last time. There’s still a chance to get a “Shalom in the city” shirt for $25 and all gifts are deposited in my account the next day so your... Read more
*I’m getting ready to leave for Allume and thought of this talk I wrote for a women’s conference I organized several years ago. If any woman is going to be my friend, she’s going to need to accept this one secret shame of mine I love boybands. New Kids on the Block, Bel Biv Devo, 98 Degrees, One Direction, BOYZ to Men! I love them all, but one particular boy band holds a special place in my heart. The Backstreet... Read more
Shalom in the City
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In