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Archive for sketch journal

drawing near . Rest and Rising

The weight of the world crowds in. Hopelessless seems to prevail. My own questions and doubts and worries creep into the mix of messages like an enemy slowly advancing, ready to run rampant, claiming any joy and peace as its spoils.

I feel like that sometimes. It’s hard not to when we look at the world portrayed in our news outlets and social media. When I let my emotions get mired in a growing to do list and the din of how others see me. Or, when I allow that cynical prevailing spirit of the day to penetrate my defenses. As I’ve been reading and thinking through Psalm 3 over the last couple of weeks, it’s been comforting and a little freeing, actually, to realize that David felt that way too. The king described as a “man after God’s heart” had these same moments of weight and doubt. I’m not alone.

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letters to my daughter 052118 . Brain Freeze Season

Summer vacation begins for us on Wednesday. We have big plans for small schedules and fun with our summer jar and each other. I predict a few brain freezes.

letters to my daughter 051118 . Forever

The conversation went something like this…

Baby Girl: I’m going downstairs.

Me: Oh no! But then you won’t be with ME!

Baby Girl: Mommy. I’m with you forever. Forever and ever.

Me:

I think I may have gotten out a whispered “me too.” But, I’m not sure. She had already disappeared into our little off-the-entryway “Kid Cave”, with snacks in hand, and the curtain drawn for her own little girl time. Those few words just filled up all my hopes and dreams and goals for our family. To share the power of being “with” one another. No matter where we go, or what we experience, to know that our hearts are knit together. That with each other, there is always a place where we belong.

letters to my daughter 051018 . I Can’t Wait

We’re in single digits on days until school is out, and this morning, we decided we liked it better to say “9 days until we kick off the Summer Jar!” The kids are excited – as most kids are – to be nearing the end of school and schedules and homework and getting up for class. But, I was realizing last night how much I’m excited too. I can’t wait.

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letters to my daughter 050418 . Day Dreams

I read one time that you teach best what you most need to learn. This week, I’m saying this as much to myself as to my daughter. I’ve been struggling lately with the direction of my business, managing my schedule to allow time to really create, and figuring out how to make some of my ideas take flight. It’s hard work, and it can be discouraging at times. I’ve wondered whether it’s time to just lay aside some of the things I’ve been reaching for — things I know I really want to do. The prospect of “giving up” and leaving things unexplored feels like such a loss and a stretch to my creative energy and hope for the future. As I’ve been praying for clarity and direction, I feel like God has given me little glimpses of encouragement and possibility. The encouragement to keep pressing on. That only good can come from practice, from perseverance, from trying. And trying again. I want that for myself. And I want it for Baby Girl. I always want her to be in touch with her own dreams, and to keep after them. To not let circumstances or discouragement prevent her from what she loves. If she lays something aside, I want it to be a choice made in pursuit of something better — not in settling for a lesser version of her dream.

Don’t quit your day dream!

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