The Courage To Write (or, I’m a contributing author!)

One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself as a writer is join a writing group. It’s good to have a local one that meets regularly (mine is a fantastic group of ladies, we rotate houses and try new foods each time) but it can be good to expand and join a … Continue reading →

The Flowering of the Cross

(or what comes after) Not one but two deaths, to hammer home that we are but dust, as if smearing ashes on the forehead just wasn’t enough. A memorial service, followed by another vigil, sandwiched between math tests, Latin vocab and baking bread. Old stories heard fresh reread and retold through a book of wild … Continue reading →

Holy Saturday

Part 1 I find myself alone, a coincidence of one child old enough to fly a thousand miles on her own, and another still willing to go on a Daddy walk in all the old places. So I sit, coffee and pastel M&M’s in hand, feeling the emotions of the last two days roll through, … Continue reading →

There comes a moment

There comes a moment. Perhaps on a neighborhood walk, you realize it is warm enough to pull up your jacket sleeves and turn your face to the sun. Or one evening under a luminous moon with water a mirror for the heavens, when peepers come roaring to life, and you know a little slice of … Continue reading →

March is Mid

March is mid-season Despite calendar or weatherman; Not the deepest cold Nor the full onslaught of color yet, But brown, and moody A tumultuous whiplash of weather. March is mid-sun An increase in light and longing; Not the strength and length as the year’s zenith Nor the watery and wan winter’s rays, But enough power … Continue reading →

Guest Host and Video Podcast

Earlier this spring I tried two new things that I’m thrilled to share (isn’t modern technology amazing?). 😊 I was a guest host on a podcast with my friend, Rev. Noah McIntee! He produced a podcast for his college ministry at Western Carolina University during the early stages of Coronavirus lockdown/quarantine, and we chatted about … Continue reading →

Resurrection Rhododendron

When we moved into our home five years ago, an ancient rhododendron featured prominently at the corner of the house, its gnarled branches hanging ominously over the driveway. Gravity and age tugged at its branches, which scraped the windshield of our cars as we pulled in and out; what pale blooms there were peaked quickly. … Continue reading →

Lines

lines etched in leathery hide concentric circles of memory & loss, of joy & wisdom radiate outward from eye to cheek to bridge of nose and always tugged back to your downward gaze. as if all your lumbering glory your searching thirst and desperate losses & joyful trumpets could be contained in that one single … Continue reading →

Pondering the Gift of Springtime: an Online Retreat!

This past winter, I led a retreat that considered the gifts of winter. This was held in my community and was a wonderful time of quiet and reflection, fitting the season nicely. But here we are in a different season and I’ve been pondering how the season of springtime points to God and his work … Continue reading →