Breathe in deeply. Let the air gently fill your lungs. Pause. Then release. Feel the tension in your shoulders drift away. Inhale again. Then exhale. This is the give and take of breath. This is a deliberate slowing of the cadence of our breath. This is discovering a new, unforced rhythm. Breathe was the theme of the retreat I attended in [...] Keep Reading
writing
Running for His glory: Battling negative self-talk
This essay is part of our summer series called "Running for His glory," focusing on the intersection between running and faith. I met Kristy through an online writers group called Hope*writers. I am grateful for her perspective on how to do battle against negative self-talk. She brings a unique perspective as an occupational therapist and as [...] Keep Reading
10 Ideas for self-care for widows and others grieving
After my husband died, I realized I desperately needed to take some time to nourish myself and my three daughters. From the day he received the initial stage four cancer diagnosis to the day he graduated to Heaven, we lived in crisis mode. During those months, I slept very little. I cared for my beloved around the clock as the cancer coursed [...] Keep Reading
Book Review: Remarkable Faith
I have always loved stories. Even from the time I was a little girl, I have been enthralled with the power of story. When I was in the throes of my elementary school years, my family attended a little neighborhood church on the south side of Chicago. I was always eager to get to Sunday School class. There were not a lot of bells and whistles. We [...] Keep Reading
A conversation about “Grieving Together” on the Kindred Mom podcast
My new friend Emily Allen interviewed me a few weeks ago for her Kindred Mom podcast. I'm excited to announce the podcast just went live. I hope you will tune in to hear our conversation. I'm chatting with Emily about navigating grief with my kids after their dad died in 2014. She asked some really sensitive and insightful questions. In the [...] Keep Reading
Navigating Grief As Life Moves Forward: The Garden
This month I’m hosting a blog series: “Navigating Grief As Life Moves Forward.” I am working to be more intentional with my blog to serve readers like you who are navigating the winding path of a grief journey. This series was inspired by many conversations I have had with friends about the struggle to move forward after experiencing loss. [...] Keep Reading