In a time and place where people are divided by a million things—Democrat or Republican, black or white, fries or tots—it's good to remember what we share in common. As humans, we cherish secret hopes. We revolve around a unique set of values. We long deeply for love. And most of us have daddy issues.... Continue Reading →
It's time for another seasonal field trip! On your next free day or weekend, grab some sunscreen and a girlfriend or two and hit the road. Extra points for old school film, but phones work just fine. I know there's a temptation to post every shot you take; consider keeping this just for you. Having... Continue Reading →
Mother's Day is almost upon us, and you wouldn't believe the amount of baggage it brings. What about the women struggling with infertility? Or the ones who lost a mama this year? Or whose child passed away? Or whose estranged mother brings up painful memories of abuse or neglect? Or a myriad of other wounded... Continue Reading →
Since moving to New England, two months have been competing for my absolute favorite time of year, one of which is May. (If you're curious, the other is October.) And since it's a tropical 63 degrees right now smack-dab in the middle of February, it's easy to daydream that spring is really here. I'm a... Continue Reading →
Your world is full of voices, all vying to be heard and repeated by you. Maybe it's your parents or your boss or your friend or your regrets or your pride or your self-hatred or your pastor or your hopes or your rules or any of a million others clamoring for attention. Sweet friend, as... Continue Reading →
Charlie Brown got it: we have commercialized Christmas to the point of turning it into something almost unrecognizable when compared to the original silent night in a barn. How are children of God caught up in this glitz and glam culture called to look past the special sales, endless noise, and festive chaos to spread... Continue Reading →
The trees have shamelessly disrobed once again. Birds flock to warmer spaces, and family gathers in. As we tiptoe toward another season of thanks and giving, may I ask, How's your heart? Mine is frankly concerned with other things—details, plans, the small bits of life. I mean, who really has time for giving thanks continually,... Continue Reading →
Masquerade! Paper faces on paradeMasquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find youMasquerade! Every face a different shadeMasquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you Take your turn, take a rideOn the merry-go-round in an inhuman raceEye of gold, eye of blueTrue is false, who is who? Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning redsMasquerade! Take... Continue Reading →
Sorry, gents, but they say to write what you know, and I know glitter runs through my veins. Check back next time. Until then, ladies, this one’s for you. I have spent months scraping the dregs of my brain (okay, okay: I may have scoured Pinterest) for the very best autumn weekend outing while the... Continue Reading →
Hello, October, with your delicious splashes of pumpkin spice and chilled cider, your bulky sweaters and tall boots and plaid wooly blankets. I’ve missed how your burnt leaves crunch underfoot. Bunches of new pencils are gathered as fresh autumn flowers, each being plucked and carried off to class. Flickering faces adorn twighlight porches, and the... Continue Reading →
The Dwelling Place 