Her comment came when I wasn’t expecting it. The criticism was dropping into the conversation as if it belonged there, like a burglar demanding a seat at the family dinner table. The actual comment didn’t immediately throw me off. What I didn’t realize, however, was that I allowed it to crack open a door that […]
The Battle Cry of Tharseo (from Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
At the end of 2020, I decided I wanted to spend more time engaging in activities that encourage me and give me hope. One of those activities is writing.* So, I spent the better part of 2021 in a writer’s mentorship program, growing my connections with other writers and flexing my writing muscles (a lot). […]
Noticing drift-detection systems in the car and my life
We’re spending a few weeks with my in-laws. It’s been awhile since we enjoyed a summer in Maine. Having lived in Southern California for the past four years, the differences are rather striking. Of course, It’s certainly a lot greener here, and rainier too. In fact, the weather is much more of a “thing” in […]
Life’s big questions: Who am I? Why am I here?
I absolutely love talking with people about their unique strengths and purpose. As I learn more about who I am and how I was created, I’m realizing how much I enjoy spending time with others, encouraging us all to recognize and live out our worth. For the past few years, I’ve been fascinated with understanding […]
Filling My Cup in an Unexpected (Unwanted?) Way
There’s a lot of discussion about “filling our cups” when we feel depleted, within both spiritual and secular literature. A quick Google search led me to these common sentiments: Have you ever felt like you had nothing left to give? At that point, your cup is empty. To fill your cup means to replenish those […]
How to not be hurting people who hurt people
“The way you treat them in the first two weeks will dictate your relationship.” The home stay coordinator was talking to us about setting up proper household expectations with exchange students. She continued, “If you serve them breakfast and do their laundry at the beginning, they will expect it for the duration.” “I took this […]