We’ve reached the final day of Advent – all that we’ve waited for is about to be birthed in the very life of Christ. In remembering and observing Advent the last month, I have a small idea of what the people of Israel must have felt for hundreds of years as they waited for deliverance … More One Last Thought: on Advent
I am one who is always pining for perfection: in body, soul, relationships, etc. This is usually a subconscious motive or end goal I always have churning in the back of my mind. I’m very unaware of it until it’s so obviously bursting at the seams again. I can’t escape it, this deep, intrinsic longing … More My Peace I Give to You
December 13th was the feast day of Saint Lucia. I first heard about Saint Lucia (or Lucy) last year during the Advent season, and I was quickly captured by her faithfulness. She lived in second century Rome during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. She was a Christian, and this was a time when Christianity was … More For the Joy Set Before You
I’ve noticed a craving in my soul to slow down, and a resistance in my mind and body luring me to keep scooting around, run from all the things and feelings I’ve been avoiding now for several months; avoiding because I know there are many griefs and hopes in my heart that also live among … More Hope is an Armor
Originally posted in my old newsletter, “It’s Hard Being Human,” on January 1st, 2022 The trees heavy with snow look like giant angels standing guard in sacred, reverent worship. I’d much rather be among them. I’ll forget my life, and my soul will be nurtured as I stand in wonder in 29 degrees, unwilling to … More For another New Year
Originally posted in my old newsletter, “It’s Hard Being Human,” on December 23rd, 2021 O Lord, as we draw ever closer to the day of Your arrival, some of us are crawling in on our elbows, wounded, marred, with tear-stained faces. Let joy refresh our bodies in the midst of this war as we join to … More A Prayer: Preparing for Christmas
Originally posted in my old newsletter, “It’s Hard Being Human,” on December 11th, 2021 If you’ve been following me on Instagram, or you know me in our personal lives, then you may know that the Sunday after Thanksgiving, my beloved grandpa went to be with Jesus. I’ve written a lot about grief here in these … More When Love is Severed
Originally posted in my old newsletter, “It’s Hard Being Human,” on November 19th, 2021 I watched from the shadows near the wall as she gently extended her arms toward him, slowly helping him lift from the bed to try to make it to a nearby chair. I could see that his soul really is outgrowing … More What a Love
Originally posted in my old newsletter, “It’s Hard Being Human,” on November 6th, 2021 “It is finished,” Jesus said, hanging on a cross as His body gave out, dripping with blood and exhaustion, His spirit committed to the Father. It is finished. Tetelestai — a Greek accounting term for “paid in full.” “It is paid in … More A Prayer: for the one caught in a tension of grief and hope
Originally posted in my old newsletter, “It’s Hard Being Human,” on October 8th, 2021 A friend asked me recently what my perfect day would look like, if there ever was one to be had. I’d thought about this question before, and the answer I’d come up with didn’t satisfy. Something had been missing, lacking. I … More The Thin Places