Paper plates and the kids' toothbrushes. The two things we forgot to bring with us on this camping trip. Granted it was only our third time camping, but you'd think we would have remembered those two fairly important things. Not to worry we told ourselves, we will just go buy some. We went not once, … Continue reading Five Life Lessons I Learned on a Camping Trip: Lesson #5 We Never Stop Learning
growth
Five Life Lessons I Learned on a Camping Trip: Lesson #4 When the Car Gets Hot, Roll Down the Windows
After three days spent making memories together in a beautiful campground, it was time to pack up and start the trip home. We went through the usual routine of tidying up the trailer and loading everything back into the car next to our three garbage bags full of dirty clothes. The kids of course started asking … Continue reading Five Life Lessons I Learned on a Camping Trip: Lesson #4 When the Car Gets Hot, Roll Down the Windows
Five Life Lessons I Learned on a Camping Trip: Lesson #2 Mindfulness Is Not Just For Hippies
If you've never been camping, let me just tell you that you learn a lot about yourself and your routines when you find yourself crammed into a small space without your normal "things" and have to make do with what you got. Like instead of pushing the button on your instant coffee maker and having … Continue reading Five Life Lessons I Learned on a Camping Trip: Lesson #2 Mindfulness Is Not Just For Hippies
Five Life Lessons I Learned on a Camping Trip: Lesson #1 When the Plan Falls Apart, Begin Again
For Spring Break this year, our family took to the road with our trailer and drove about five hours north to visit our family. The trip had been long anticipated, and everyone was excited to see family and camp for three nights. This was the first time we would be spending more than just one … Continue reading Five Life Lessons I Learned on a Camping Trip: Lesson #1 When the Plan Falls Apart, Begin Again
My Struggle Out of Shame
A dear friend recently asked me to contribute on her blog, Lemons In My Coffee. She started a series titled "I'll Go First" and there have been so many amazing stories shared of redemption and grace, and I was honored to be asked. My struggle with shame has been a long one, but it's brought … Continue reading My Struggle Out of Shame
Learning to Be Small
It is a gloriously rainy day here in Northern California, and I have delighted in it. Rainy days have always had a marvelous way of speaking to my soul and prompting a whole lot of self introspection. Something about how big the clouds are makes me feel small and safe somehow. It has been over … Continue reading Learning to Be Small
That Time We Went Camping…
Do you ever notice how some of the best memories come from things that were frustrating or unpleasant at the time? They turn into stories that get told and retold at family reunions or gatherings, followed by copious amounts laughter. I try to remind myself in the midst of everyday parenting frustrations that “someday this … Continue reading That Time We Went Camping…
Living and Living Well
Have you ever had one of those moments where you feel like someone has just thrown a rock at the mirror you were standing in front of, and you suddenly realize the mirror was blocking a door you didn’t know existed? About a month ago, the Fourth of July to be exact, our little family … Continue reading Living and Living Well
G is for…
A few Sundays ago I was talking to our pastor in between services. He mentioned they have a decorative arrow hanging in their home, and I (being the smarty pants that I am- I get it from my daddy) asked him if it was pointing up, since he is a pastor and all. He laughed, … Continue reading G is for…
All in the Heart
“I’m past my limits!” The text message read. “I feel like a failure!” My friend was verbalizing what I had been internalizing for quite a while. Pushed far past my limits by my kids, everyday felt like one big fat failure after the other. My patience has been shot, joy has been elusive, and I … Continue reading All in the Heart
Three Boys & a Hope 