Category Archives: Reflections

Get Real Still

It was easy to pick out our grandson in the line-up of swimmers. The eight-year-old wore a life jacket and was a foot or two shorter than the others. Like those ahead of him, he waited for his turn to try the obstacle course that stretched … Continue reading

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Love Is a Risky Business

In the post Undoing My Life, I talked about a time when I kept expecting to be rejected but encountered love and acceptance instead. That experience was wonderful and scary. As the Rejected One, I protected my heart from the inevitable pain of being discovered … Continue reading

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Glory Led Me Here

The last blossom on my Christmas cactus fell weeks ago. For forty days vibrant pink glory adorned the room where I pray, write, and offer spiritual direction. But now that glory is gone. I think of the Israelites. For forty years they beheld … Continue reading

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DIY Prayer Retreat #6: Praying with Our Senses at the Beginning of a New Year

Nearly every month I gather with friends for a silent retreat. It has been a rich experience. I explained how it works here. Thanks to Ann Green, who helped me put this retreat together. Supplies needed: Jelly Bellies (5 per person) … Continue reading

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Enough

“My husband and I met with our financial advisor,” a friend said at a New Year’s Eve party. “He told us we’ve saved enough money, and we should start spending it.” After a life of carefully saving for retirement, she could hardly … Continue reading

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Epiphany

Mid-November one lone blossom adorned my Christmas cactus. By Advent it was fuller than ever. It continued to blossom during the Christmas season and into Epiphany. Directees commented on it when they came, and I sat beside this bush, which was burning with … Continue reading

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A New Year’s Wish

It’s a new year, and I would love to leave my old identity behind. Remember in “Undoing My Life” God asked me to let go of my identity as the Rejected One? That undoing continues whenever I feel rejected. I hate it when that happens. I … Continue reading

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“Oh, No!”

When our grandson was a preschooler, he loved to line up his toy cars on the coffee table. He and his dad would drive them around imitating the sounds of engines starting, horns beeping and tires squealing. Inevitably, they would … Continue reading

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Pilgrim in a Dark Wood

From the crest of the hill, I could see my book aglow in the distance, ready to be purchased at a click. But to get there I would have to travel through the dreaded Valley of Publication. Thankfully, I found good companions … Continue reading

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A Deep Wisdom

Publishing the posts Being “That Woman” and God in the Dark: Theory left me feeling quite vulnerable to people’s reactions. Reason reminded me that God was with me, and I would be fine. But the little girl in me saw thick walls of … Continue reading

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