Tribe. Family. Village. Stakeholders. My people. Words that envision community. It is the way we are made. Even the most introverted among us best flourish alongside friends, albeit a smaller ensemble. In true community, the face you project is the real you. It’s amidst the people where vulnerability does not feel risky. Feelings laid bare…
Writing
Book Review: Crossing The Waters
We all have books that become milestones in this life’s journey. Crossing The Waters just became my latest marker. Leslie Leyland Fields led me through the hard parts of faith so I could more honestly examine my own life as a Christ-follower. Fields tackles the difficult issues of suffering, the existence of hell, broken relationships,…
Soul Metaphors
Are workshops worth the effort? But isn’t writing a solo activity? Yes and yes. It’s a contrast worth exploring. When writing, I spend a lot of time in my head. I’m quite content wandering in my thoughts, reflections, and memories. Without outside voices, however, my view is skewed. Without outside voices, I am queen of my…
Journey to Alaska
I recently participated in the Harvester Island Wilderness Workshop in Alaska. My time with fellow writers, workshop leaders, and the beauty of the last frontier allowed me to explore the craft of writing along with a new-to-me place on the planet. Virginia to Alaska It took four flights, on progressively smaller planes, to travel 4,500 miles….
All Things New (Website Design)
Welcome to my new website design! After researching and thinking and researching and thinking some more, I finally made decisions and hit the “update” button. I’m not sure why it took so long. I seemed to always have an excuse: new writing assignment, fast approaching trip, large project at work, or even a broken ankle….
Mentor for Life
I’m thrilled to share an interview with the author of the newly released book, Mentor for Life. My friend, Natasha Robinson, wrote the book to offer guidance and encouragement for embracing the role of mentoring in discipleship. Look no farther for a book on mentoring. Mentor for Life establishes mentoring relationships in community, provides a biblical…
Writing with Grace
My friend Ann Swindell is launching registration for her writing course today! If you’re a writer and want to grow in your ability to communicate powerfully and effectively on the page, check out her course Writing With Grace. It’s a six-week course that will run January through February 2016 and includes interviews with editors from…
Refresh Your Soul
Lately, soul care has not been part of my life. I am embarrassed to say how easily I slipped out of the daily habits that had been cornerstones in my spiritual walk. Through incredible highs and lows — including the celebration of our daughter’s graduation and the loss of a beloved member of our family (my father-in-law Bob)…
Journaling: Healing through Private Words
Do you journal? If so, have you ever read through your pages of writing? Journaling offers a window into the past and that can instruct our future. Last week I flipped through my 2014 journals. Like glancing over the stern of a boat at the rapids already passed, the meandering paragraphs and doodling entries reminded me…
Connecting Life through Blogs
Everyone has a story. And, we are connected to one another’s story. Sometimes our paths physically criss-cross; other times similar experiences draw us together. We have much to learn from one another’s story. Blogs offer one way to share these adventures. Their public voice creates a bridge between us and allows us access to one another that we…