I had this article neatly written out in my head last night. It was going to be a sweet little piece about the joys of having children. I was helping my daughter overcome her fears of the dark and thought, “Isn’t this nice. I can bring such comfort just by being here. Motherhood is so … [Read more...] about Christmas in Life’s Messiness
Christmas
I Still Believe in Christmas
Can Christmas be boycotted? I like to think so. I want to know so. Is that even a “thing”? I long to hold it tightly and believe in the real possibility. Boycott maybe isn’t the right word. It’s not that I don’t like or even love Christmas. I do. I love all the traditions and feelings, the gift … [Read more...] about I Still Believe in Christmas
Draw Near This Advent
I am just starting to emerge from a season of quiet. Not the nice, relaxing kind of quiet but the quiet that can drive you mad. The kind of quiet that stretches out for hours and days and weeks, when one day looks exactly like the next and you don’t know if it’s Monday or Thursday or Sunday. It’s … [Read more...] about Draw Near This Advent
The Price of Love – It’s Worth It
On my Christmas tree, high above where chubby toddler fingers can reach, hang three ornaments side by side. A pair of baby slippers, a ceramic work boot, and a ball with the name “Jon” inscribed on it. Three symbols of a life well lived but cut short. My heart was heavy as I adorned the tree, yet … [Read more...] about The Price of Love – It’s Worth It
Where There is Despair, Let Me Sow Hope
Waiting on the Hope of Christmas This article is part of a series on The Peace Prayer of St. Francis. You can read other entries here: Where There is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love An Instrument of PeaceWhere There is Doubt, Let Me Sow Faith Where There is Darkness, Let Me Sow … [Read more...] about Where There is Despair, Let Me Sow Hope
