Winter has a way of reminding me I can’t control every aspect of my life. Ever since I was young, I have loved the seasons. The unique feel, tastes and rhythms of nature have always whispered to me that there …
A Double Blessing
I became a MOPS mentor completely by accident. Imagine a mother of college-aged kids (that’s me) crashing a MOPS meeting with the sole purpose of introducing herself to the guest speaker, who happened to be a published author. As I …
The Day I Stopped Talking
I imposed a 24-hour “No Talking” rule on myself, and this is what happened … I’ll start by owning that at least a strong part of me is an 8 on the Enneagram (“the challenger”). As such, the emotion that …
A MOPS Story: the Power of Intention
Here’s a story of a mom not unlike some you’ve heard before, but it’s worth telling. This mom was struggling; she wrestled with fear and self-doubt and sat in a place of “am I enough?” as a woman, wife and …
When My Five-Year-Old Evicted Jesus From His Heart
It was bedtime and it was my turn to tuck the little man in. We usually lay down with him for about 10 minutes before he sleeps. He uses that time wisely to ask for stories and make up some …
How’s the View
At a local coffee shop on a recent Saturday morning, I sat at a round table cradling a coffee mug and gabbing with friends. The café buzzed with activity, and our table mirrored the energy of the room. One friend took …
There’s Freedom in School Choice
“Scoot together and say cheese!” I said, pointing the camera in their direction. The girls scrunched their bodies closer, chocolate dripping from their chins, doing their best to control their silliness long enough for a quick photo. It was the …
A Mom’s Story: Why Do I MOPS?
I MOPS because I was a mom with a toddler, a marriage looking at its tomb, and a freshly emptied womb. I was 12 weeks pregnant when I lost my second baby and gained a depression that started on my bathroom …
Tired Arms
My arms are so tired. I’ve hit a wall, and it’s a solid brick one that’s 4 feet wide and 70 feet high. I figured being a mom would be tiring. I counted on some sleepless nights and foggy mornings. …
Last Place in the Human Race
I’m too slow for my life. I reached this revelation recently at a stoplight, as I rolled my toothpaste-blue minivan up next to a red-hot Ferrari. It was a contrast too comical to ignore. So, I rolled down the window: …