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...]
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...]
Wanderlust and Dreams to Travel
This guy. I have a dream. I have a dream that some day, before it's too late, he'll be bit too. Bit by that stubborn li'l wanderlust bug that bit me as a young woman. And never let go. That some day we'll have the time and means and freedom to travel the world. To see and set foot on as much of Creation as we can before leaving this earth. Some day. Before the wrinkles already forming around our eyes and on our foreheads grow too numerous to count. Before we're too old and feeble to enjoy it with gusto and a spirit of unstoppable adventure. Before God calls us Home. Even knowing that … [Read more...]
Perfection, Worry and Guilt Aren’t On the Calendar
On crap days like today, when I feel all knotted up inside ‘cause there’s so much to do, I couldn’t get jack done, I flaked on people and commitments and neglected my kids and DH, I’ll sometimes collapse in bed, heavy with worry and every guilt you could name: woman guilt, friend guilt, wife guilt, that infamous “mommy guilt,” and even Christian guilt - for not then trusting Jesus, who said, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) For me, 90% of the time, surrendering it all in prayer relieves even the most seemingly insurmountable … [Read more...]
Simplify and Do Life Better, Part 1
You know when you think you're pretty friggin' awesome at something, but then life kicks your overinflated @ss a couple times (maybe more, if you're a little "slow" like me) and you suddenly realize, “Crap. I kinda suck at that, actually"? Well. Seems I've been deluding myself for some time into thinking I gots me some mad multi-tasking skills. For years now I've put up a pretty good front that I can "do it all", and do it all well. Like some of you perhaps, I have a tough time saying “no” when asked to do, help with or be part of something, either because of she-guilt or because I hate … [Read more...]