They say the most stressful things in life are moving, getting married, having a baby, changing jobs, losing a job, getting separated/divorced, losing a spouse or loved one, or falling ill or disabled. And you know that list ain't all of it. What's even worse is when these big game changers hit multiples at a time, or one after another with no rest in-between. So. What do all these high stress generators have in common? They're all major life Changes. Transitions. Turning points. Rites of passage. Bombs (unexpected or even expected). Not easy. Even when they’re good or happy changes -- … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day, My First Love and No Coincidences
As I wake this Hallmark holiday morning, when many will soon be celebrating “the one” who holds their heart, I lay still in the dark, reflecting on the love of my life. And my heart feels happily heavy. My thoughts are on God. Because His outpouring of love on us, each His purposefully unique creation - when finally recognized - is overwhelming, life-transforming. No other love tastes so heavenly, fills so fully, or heals so completely. How can I know? I’ve chased it elsewhere and learned it the hard way. So, as wonderful as my husband is, my thoughts turn first to my first love. Of … [Read more...]
My Destructive Addiction and God’s Intervention
It's that godly hour again, 3:33 a.m., and He's dragged me outta bed to write this down before I forget some of it because...well, I guess it's important. So. I've struggled with different sins throughout my life but in the past year finally reached a point where I've gladly submitted the big ones (the glaring, burdensome, recurring ones) before my loving Father, let my Savior Jesus take care of 'em, accepted His help and forgiveness (no strings attached), and been totally freed from the weight and temptation of those sins. It's been pure awesome. But tonight, a little after 2am, I woke … [Read more...]
Parenting, Hypocrisy and Redos
God hasn't been letting me get away with much of anything lately. As un-fun as it is to be "called out" every other day, I'm glad of it. 'Cause I know that Someone infinitely greater and worthier than I has enough interest in me to be working hard on developing my character. Clearly, this Someone is super (or shall we say supernaturally?) ambitious, and patient, to take Project Anita on. One thing He's calling me to do is to have more compassion and love for the people I find the most difficult, hurtful, irritating, or sometimes enviable, the ones I'd rather avoid or who avoid me, the ones … [Read more...]
Hiatus
No, guys, I'm not dead. I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Just taking a hiatus. I'm trying something completely new and foreign to me. I'm seeking out, and actually enjoying, opportunities to be alone and silent. Whether completely still and meditating in the quiet of my bedroom. Or huffing and puffing on a running trail before either the sun or the kids should rise. Or driving along in traffic with the radio turned off. Listening for the "sound" of God's voice. It's there, friends. And it might just be better than a sweet nothing from your bae. or a newborn's gurgle. or your … [Read more...]