Front Porch Love

On my way to write my blog tonight something unexpected happened. Someone knocked on my door.

I was standing in my nightgown with no make up and who knows what my hair looked like. I considered my excuses for ignoring the knock, but instead, I opened the door and peeked outside.

Smiling back at me were Sister Clark and Sister Lewis, two of the cutest little Mormon missionaries that I've ever seen. They asked if Karen lived here or if I knew which house was hers. I didn't and I expected our encounter to be complete. Then, the unexpected...they stayed.

They didn't mind my clothes(I did put on a robe) or my make up or my hair. They were on a mission.

A mission to share God's love...with me. Right there on my front porch.

They spoke. I listened.

And, I was blessed.

Weekend Grace

So it's the second of September and all ready I missed my self imposed deadline.

God's grace is sufficient for me...

Through computer crashes, internet issues and long work days.

God's grace is sufficient for me...

When my to-do list takes over yet, it seems nothing gets done.

God's grace is sufficient for me...

When I'm hurting and lonely wondering why God allows me to go through the same trails again and again.

God's grace is sufficient for me...

On Sundays, when I can't bear going to church alone so I don't.

God's grace is sufficient even...

for...

me.

Dog days

The summer days have passed in a blur of goodbyes, hellos, camps and unexpected road trips. I don't know where the weeks went. Now that school has begun and we're settling into familiar routine, I'm so excited to get back into blogging.

Look for some great changes coming up in Sept and .....drum roll please....

New posts everyday!!!

That's right. New posts everyday all month long. I can't wait to see what God has in store.

Letting Go

Tomorrow is a day of bittersweet joy that will, I'm sure, be mixed with tears. I am driving my daughter, the former baby of the family, to the airport. For her, this is an exciting new journey. For me, it's another lesson in letting go.

I still remember her first day at kindergarten. She held my hand and wanted me to walk her in. I lingered in the hall so she could see me. But, the next day.


The very next day.

We walked to the sidewalk in front of the school. She turned to me and said...

"Mom, you're embarrassing me!". 

She let go of my hand and confidently, courageously walked in all by herself. Tears ran down my cheeks as I turned away smiling so proudly. Even then, she was teaching me to let go.


I raised her to be the brave, independent woman that she has become. I knew that one day she'd go her own way, choose her own path. I just secretly hoped it would be closer to home.

Tomorrow, I'll hug her tight. Try to squeeze in just a little more love. I'll smile through my tears and this time...
I won't care if I'm embarrassing her.

Doing Something Different

It's been nine days. Nine long, soda free days. 

Does God care about my Diet Dr Pepper habit? 

Probably not, but He does care about the things that separate us from Him. 

So this Lenten Season, we are doing something different at my house. Together, as a family, we are fasting from something that challenges us. 

Tempts us. 

Separates us. 

Several times a day, we are invited to remember that Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Invited to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for Him.  

That's the way of this disciple life after all. 

Deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him. 

Lifting Up and Laying down

I've been carrying a heavy burden but tonight I was reminded...the carrying is not my job.

So I lift it up.

My heart speaks the words my lips cannot. He still hears.

I lay it all down.

Down at the feet of the One who long ago carried my burdens into a garden and up a hill. Burdens of a worn out wife, a worried mother, a broken disciple.

God's sweet grace fills my anxious heart and spills down my cheeks.

Peace replaces worry. Faith restores doubt. God's steadfast love remains.