Both/And…keeping it real

We can do hard things. Acknowledging both the good and hard in everyday life.

  • “Thank you for giving me my life.”

    When I met her, I noticed first that she had a brand-new beautiful baby. She expertly carried the car seat on one arm and I was jealous of how at ease she was. Our eyes met, across a couple rows at church and I rose to introduce myself. That Sunday and many following, I couldn’t…

  • Who are you, great mountain…that you should not bow low?

    I climbed the steep, wooden stairs, trying hard not to think about slowing down those behind me. I looked at the worn wood stairs, instructing my steps one at a time: step up, then again, then again. Some of the planks of wood were worn in spots to the point of seeing the path so…

  • What do princess markers, Rubik’s Cube and Banana Nut Muffins have to do with Lament?

    I wanted to take a moment and say a genuine thank you. I have been posting now for about 4 months and it has become a favorite part of my week. I really enjoy WORDS. I love the process of conveying my thoughts, experiences and how they all fit together with my many life roles.…

  • Redefining what it means to be Badass.

    I wonder if you’ve ever watched an event, a TV show, or a person when something about a particular feat that resonates within you. Somewhere deep inside you find yourself thinking, “that is simply, __________.” You can fill in your own blank. I realize that for some, the word badass may not be the first…

  • “You have solid steel I-Beams, Stace.”

    “Mom, they are going to demolish that building soon.” My son told me as we drove through town. “Yeah?” We were talking about the former municipal power plant building, much of which was already demolished. “Yes, they are getting the explosives set on the beams. The I-beams are the only thing left.” My brain raced…

  • For the love of mountains and Jesus; or pink slippers, 10% and unexpected grace.

    (An entirely different post than what I planned be writing this week…) I have been chewing on a post for the last week and half and it is not this one…. Typically, an idea forms and the words come relatively quick. I reword and rework, sometimes erase and rewrite, but the words and ideas seem…

  • “Mama, Jesus is smiling!”

    (For SHM) The sun was shining, I had the day off work. After I was blessed with a good workout and some quality time with my hubby, my youngest daughter (in her last year before turning 13,) asked if I would take her to 3 stores: a local consignment shop, 5 below (undoubtedly to spend…

  • Some thoughts on imposters, cheating and battle hymns.

    “Mom, your calves are popping!” My daughter exclaimed last night. I was walking in front of her as we left our dear friend’s house after an evening of feeling more blessed when we left than when we’d arrived. “What does that even mean????” My inner voice whispered. At the same moment, my body startled (involuntarily)…

  • 143

    It was a snowy afternoon, one of those where we as a family had a clear Sunday on the calendar, a truly miraculous thing. Even more shocking to me, as a mom of teens, was the fact that after lunch had been cleaned up, I wandered into the main area of our house and found…

  • Underdogs and tears, the One who perseveres (and redeems.)

    For much of my growing up, I heard I was too sensitive, that I needed to get tougher and that even though I cared, sometimes it seemed as if I cared too much. I had so many emotions, in my teenage years, I am sure my parents and siblings felt like they were pretty consistently…