Random Thoughts
In search of a linear life: a lesson in futility
In a quick text to my daughter shortly after my husband, Bob’s hip replacement surgery (see “Delayed gratification”), I shared a bit of discouragement and she reminded me that—as frustrating as it can be—the process of healing isn’t linear. First, when did she become so wise? And second, I’m all about celebrating life’s victories, both…
Read More
FOMO: divine timing at work
Okay, it’s true. I Googled the FOMO acronym. For those of you scratching your heads, I’m referring to the fear of missing out. Although FOMO was a big deal when I attended school, as an adult I still struggle with the idea that I must participate in #allthethings. And this year, due to circumstances beyond…
Read More
All tapped out: recognizing the signs
After my husband’s recent hip replacement surgery (see “Delayed gratification”), our daughter arrived at our home on the mountain to lend a helping hand for a few days. Once she left, however, I found myself in a bit of a funk, so I busied myself around our cabin for a couple of hours. But when…
Read More
On the front lines or behind the scenes: your presence is your purpose
Over the years, I’ve been guilty of whiling away my time trying to figure out my “life’s purpose.” When my husband, Bob was hit by a drunk driver almost two decades earlier, I used to assume there must be some grand plan for his survival—a cause bigger than ourselves. Fast-forward to present day. After my…
Read More
Hey Princess: recognizing your worth
Last month, I took my car in for maintenance and the gentleman at the register asked for my name. “Chris,” I told him. “You don’t look like a Chris,” he replied. Without missing a beat, I responded, “You can call me Princess.” He laughed and asked if I have a tutu and I said, “No,…
Read More
Delayed gratification: wait for it
Out like a lion, in like a lamb. That’s what my husband, Bob and I had been hoping for as we bid farewell to March. But that’s not how it happened on the mountain where we live at 6,800 feet. And while we awaited the arrival of spring, we were also anticipating Bob’s hip replacement…
Read More
To improve is to change: figuring out what works best
Have you ever made changes to improve your well-being, and then wondered if it was worth it? For the past six months, I’ve been tacking on new goals to support a healthier lifestyle (see “Incremental changes that add up”). In addition to adding a new supplement to my diet and daily strength-training, I’ve also upped…
Read More
Set apart: shining your light before others
In the same way, let your light shine before others… ~ Matthew 5:16 The other morning, I approached the town’s postal clerk and asked, “What’s the good word?” “Obnoxious,” he replied, eyes twinkling. “And why is that?” He seemed to contemplate my question. “Because that’s what I am.” We laughed, then engaged in small talk…
Read More
Ordering our days: pause and pray
Recently I participated in a guest interview conducted by author Diana Leagh Matthews, and one of her questions was: What’s the biggest struggle you have as a writer? While I’ve always wrestled with limiting beliefs, if I had to choose one thing, I’d pick the elusive life-writing balance. As a full-time writer, I often get…
Read More
Asking the tough questions: how to best serve your life ‘story’
I worked with a writing coach a few years ago. As a “plotter,” I crave structure—a roadmap of sorts—before I begin a new writing project. But similar to what oftentimes happens in real life, stories are prone to get off track. To help combat that, my coach recommended reviewing my outline each week to confirm…
Read More