It’s been a crazy start to the new year, but it’s been a welcoming start. For those who don’t know, last week the other half and I closed on our very first home. The past week has been a whirlwind of cleaning the new to us house, painting the interior walls, doing some minor repairs that […]
Tag: joy
It’s the end of another year
It’s the time of year where everyone shares their accomplishments for the year. And while this post will be no different in that regards, there is also a bit of reflection as well. I had several author and writing related goals I had jotted upon a piece of paper at the beginning of this year: And […]
I love to tell the story
“I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory / to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” ~ Katherine Hankey “I Love to Tell the Story” (1866) Last night, on Christmas Eve, I sat as I usually do in the tiny church in my little swath of the […]
Recognize the Spark
Recently, I was asked a question. How do you feel loved and connected? I had answered “my family.” But I didn’t mean only the family of blood I have that is dispersed all over the United States, but the family I have made as well, who continue to bless me and keep me on this path […]
Choosing a better, more joyful way
I recently heard a story about a married gay couple who moved into a new neighborhood in a new state following a job acceptance. While getting ready and into their car one night to go to a friend’s house, a car slowed by and slurs and threats were shouted at them, causing some fear. Their […]
Generations upon hopeful generations
It’s December finally and Christmas is bearing down on us, bringing all sorts of glad tidings and a casserole dish of emotions. We deal with realities, with relatives, with things that crop up and memories of things long gone. It’s a time for tradition. But it’s also a time for new adventures and new ideas. […]
Willpower, temperance, self-control… and gratitude?
There was a buzz in the air at the little church in my tiny swath of the Midwest this past Sunday. Between the poor squirrel who had given its life to knock out the power earlier in the morning, the forgetfulness of the worship leader to have what was prepared for speaking brought to church, […]
Continue the Race. Continue the story.
As I mentioned several weeks ago, the tiny church I attend in my little swath of the Midwest is working weekly on the fruits of the Spirit. This past Sunday, the fruit that was highlighted was faith. Faithfulness seems to be something I tend to struggle with at times and yet embrace all in the […]
Finding God in the Strangest of Places
I seem to find God in the strangest of places. In the lyrics to a heavy metal song, poignancy touches my soul. In the sunrise after a week of bad weather, celestial splendor abounds. In the comments on a Facebook post, kindness drowns out the evil. In the quiet moments of a walk, clarity overcomes […]
Glimmers of kindness
“Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” ~ August Pullman, character in Wonder by R. J. Palacio If one looks at any viral social media post, one is given an example of the worst of humanity. There are the armchair experts who deem everything is wrong, the ones who […]