A snowy path for squirrel and fox,It winds between the wintry firs.Snow-muffled are its iron rocks,And o’er its stillness nothing stirs.But low, bend low a listening ear!Beneath the mask of moveless whiteA babbling whisper you shall hear—Of birds and blossoms, leaves and light. – Sir Charles George Douglas Roberts Those words whisper to the deepest part of my soul: spring is coming! As much as I long for spring, though, I know it’s made all the more refreshing by the…
I’ve never been able to predict the journey the Lord will take me on each year—He often surprises me! When I chose my word for 2023, I had no idea how much I’d learn about my health in even the first 17 days of the year. Summarizing what led me here felt a bit daunting, but this was important to write, even just for myself. Writing is one way I acknowledge change and accept it. I feel restless when words…
New Year, good-morning! Come and bringUs days that smile and days that singOut from the drifts of swirling snowThat through the mirky midnight blowAnd clutch with frosty hands and cling.Hark! how the joy-bells chime and ringThy birth, and new hope set a-wing.With hands outstretched you come; and soNew Year, good-morning!– Alexander Maclean My deepest conversations with Ari tend to happen in our walk-in closet. It’s a small space under the stairs, and, over time, two chairs somehow made their way…
Today is my 43rd birthday, and I am grateful for the gift of another year, friends! I started blogging when I was 26, and here we are, 17 years, 442 blog posts, 20,000+ comments, and a lot of life lived together later. Most importantly, friendships—real-life friendships—have been cultivated. Except for my long-time friend Jessie who I met in middle school advanced vocab class, I’ve met my best friends through this blog! Thank you, friends, for sharing your lives with me…
“Sometimes when you are in a dark place, you think you have been buried, but actually you have been planted.” – Christine Caine Consider me nestled into some lively soil, friends. Do I know exactly what will grow ahead? No. But I trust it will be good. From all I experienced in 2022, I have faith. I learned and feel like I’m just getting started! Plus, I know the end of this story, and it’s a great one. Welcome back…