2021— Trusting God in Perpetual Wonder
On the first day of 2021, I stood beside our fake Lowe’s tree and removed one ornament at a time. Each one…
Helping Women Move From Fear into Faith
Category: embracing the moments
The Gift of Gathering Friends
I’m convinced God designed me to gather people. To serve them, encourage them and watch magic happen when strangers become friends. I…
Lucky in Love
In November 1985, as our loved ones gathered around, Tom and I walked the aisle, prayed, linked arms and promised to stick…
Marriage is so Much Trouble
One October day, Tom and I decided to make a quick trip to the mountains. While we gathered all the things, and…
Tips For a Perfectly Imperfect Christmas
I would speed through it all and finally sit down to enjoy our decorated fresh fir… after the holidays. I was overwhelmed with sadness when I realized I’d missed some priceless moments that were gone forever.
Somewhat Simple Soup Supper
I don’t want to carry gratitude around in seasons.
I want to carry it in my bones,
I want to rest it in on my tongue
like it is a language
that I never stop speaking.
~Arielle Estoria
How an Open Door of Hospitality Changed My Life, 1st draft
WE are Christ’s Body—His hands and feet. We are the ones with doors and tables and food that encourage other folks around us.
What I’m Learning About Love
Look into her/his face. Smile big. Say good morning in my happiest voice. If she/he starts a conversation, listen intently and make a kind reply. Repeat…
Don’t Quit in the Middle
We got married to be together. For better or worse. Let’s put on love. One touch here. A kiss there. A kind word. Love is made up of lots of little decisions. Let’s wear LOVE like a coat. Let’s wrap our SELVES completely in it.
The Art of Life
“At the basis of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is the unaffected loveliness of the commonplace.”
Magical Friendship
It felt good just to hear myself say the words and to hear her listening. She went on to tell me about a difficult situation she and her husband have been navigating with a third party. Immediately the magic happened again. We were entering into each others’ lives and caring and responding. It helped me to get my mind off of myself; pray again for her and also feel relieved of my sad feelings.
Finding Me
I realized today when I tossed those pillows on the swing that the way I’m wired hasn’t curled up and died. My gifts for gathering people and warming up our home so people will feel loved and welcomed. This is who I am. I just haven’t known how to be that person in a different place.