She kneels before the chest, nostalgic. She knows it is time - time to let go - and yet, she is acutely aware of what she is releasing and what it means moving forward. She opens the chest and is overcome by the memories that come flooding in, so ingrained with the scent of cedar. By … Continue reading The Hope Chest
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Less Is More : Ideas to Keep Slavery Out of the Easter Basket
Easter Baskets. The poster child for Spring. By now, you have probably heard about slavery in the cocoa bean industry. You have probably already heard that children are literally trafficked across borders in order to wield large machetes to cut down cocoa beans for sixteen hours a day so that we have our cheap chocolate … Continue reading Less Is More : Ideas to Keep Slavery Out of the Easter Basket
Lent is Not a Weight Loss Program
I grew up in the church. So, I have always practiced Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday (the night before Easter Sunday) and is 40 weekdays long. It is symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, following his baptism. For me, I … Continue reading Lent is Not a Weight Loss Program
10.
My daughter turns 10 years old one week from today. My entire week has become devoted to planning the ultimate Minecraft party. We celebrate birthdays quite enthusiastically around here. Let me tell you why. My Bella is a medically fragile child. I just learned that term about a year ago when a professional referred … Continue reading 10.
It Matters.
She woke up this morning to the sound of the women in the village, busy readying themselves for the day. She longed for just a few more minutes of sleep. Why does the night seem to pass so quickly? She slowly got up from her mat on the dirt floor, rolled it up, and placed … Continue reading It Matters.
Into The Void
About a week ago, I let go of an organization that I founded and of which I was the Executive Director. For about a year prior to the inception of the organization, and then the three and a half years running it, I poured every last ounce of my heart and soul into it. I … Continue reading Into The Void
Justice and Decay
I have been reading a book entitled, God For Us, for Lent. Today was especially beautiful. Lent has always been a bit befuddling. For those of us who practice it, it is something quite deep, quite personal. And yet, if you met someone for coffee who does not practice Lent, and proclaimed that you have … Continue reading Justice and Decay
The House with the Cranberry Door
I grew up in the House with the Cranberry Door. I remember my mother choosing the color for that door, swatches of blindingly similar hues slathered onto the back side of the door. How she remembered what shade was what, I'll never know. My parents bought the House with the Cranberry Door when I was … Continue reading The House with the Cranberry Door
Broken
This past weekend, we moved. As I was placing our coveted Czech etched glass into a cupboard, one shelf toppled over. I looked down at my feet to find them surrounded by hundreds of pieces of broken glass. We lost a set of wine glasses and a set of champagne glasses - gifts from Martin's grandparents … Continue reading Broken
Reclaiming Valentine’s Day
I have no idea when it started. Or how. Or why. I just know that somewhere along the way, Valentine's Day became my nemesis. At some point and time, it became characteristic of a bully - relentlessly pursuing me with its cheesy hallmark cards, rows of teddy bears, dark red roses, balloons and chocolate. And … Continue reading Reclaiming Valentine’s Day
Raindrops & Rivers 