When was the last time you sat down and gave your full attention to another human being? Not checking your phone, wondering how long this conversation would last, or figuring out in your brain the next clever thing you’re going to say or advice you’re going to give.
Just sitting. Listening.
It’s a gift of kindness I know I don’t give nearly ... Read More
I love it when I sit down and the words are easy. They just flow, they don’t take too much mental energy and they don’t make me weepy when I re-read them.
These words are not going to be easy. I can tell. Because these are the words that keep coming to my mind: Forgive me.
At the beginning of the school ... Read More
We were driving home from church with the kids in the backseat when I posed a question: Hey kids, what is our family’s core value?
I suppose a ship should know its destination before it sets sail, but as a 20-something, I just sort of got in the boat, had kids and hoped for the best.
My pastor preached a mighty powerful ... Read More
“Mom, please don’t cheer for the Vikings.”
My seven-year-old son, Ben, was very matter of fact about his request.
In case you missed it, last night the Vikings won in an amazing last second play against the Saints.
Next week, the Vikings will play the Eagles.
Little Ben is a big Carson Wentz fan. Carson plays for the Eagles.
When the Vikings play the Eagles, ... Read More
You go through a difficult time and someone offers to bring you a meal or pick up your kids. What do you say?
I think our natural instinct is to say no, right? We tell people verbally or through our actions that we’re okay, we’ve got this covered, we can do it ourselves.
But what if their offer of kindness isn’t ... Read More
Do you remember this exact date, January 1st— 18 years ago?
I was living in sin with Saul. He had more hair and my boobs were real. Other than that, it was pretty much the same as it is now.
We partied like it was 1999 (because it was), but there was a definite foreboding in my heart. I worked at a ... Read More
Last week, I shared part one of the story of a single mom struggling to make ends meet with her teenage son.
It’s the backdrop of pain in our lives that gives our joy such brilliance. And often, it’s receiving an act of kindness at just the right time that spurs us to do the same for ... Read More
Jessica Reed is the sort of woman who inspires me to become a better person. She’s a dietician, a mom of five kids, a community advocate and a marathon runner.
She’s also the sort of woman who will stand in my kitchen and teach me how to evenly brown ground beef without giggling at my ineptitude.
Jessica took on a major challenge ... Read More
I can’t believe we’re here. Last year at this time, I felt called to begin the New Year by renewing my mind.
I wanted to do that by memorizing short scriptures that would be my go-to mantras in times of trouble.
One year later, we’re at the end, Week 52.
I’ve learned some things about myself this year, like I’m terrible at memorizing.
On ... Read More
I tucked in my youngest son last night with the same two questions I always ask.
Who loves you?
Momma.
Who else loves you?
Jesus.
I always end by saying That’s right, Momma and Jesus love you! Then I walk away sort of giggling to myself, because I like the ring of that — Momma and Jesus love you. It sounds like a country western ... Read More
