For the past year, I have been very self-reflective and introspective.  I have been doing the work of getting to the core of my issues.  It has not been a pretty journey.  As a matter of fact, it has been downright ugly.  While I do not like some of the things I see, I thank God that I am beginning to see myself as I truly am.  Flawed…but God’s treasured possession none the less. This week has been all about acknowledging where I am.  In this space.  In this moment.  Not thinking about the past.  Not worrying about the future.  Focusing on where I am at this specific moment in…

Well, it finally happened.  I am new to the cat-loving community.  And by new, I mean that I love one cat exclusively, Fitz.  Since I did not grow up with cats or have anyone very close to me that had a cat for a pet, there are many things about cats that I do not know.  Many of my thoughts about cats have been formed from their portrayal in media.  I take my cues from movies and television.  So, when it finally happened, I was a little unprepared. Have I built up the suspense enough?  Are you curious to know what happened?  I was sitting at my computer preparing to…

My grandmother is a masterful storyteller.  When I was a kid, I spent my summers with her in St. Louis.  Our days were filled with trips to the library to pick out books and sometimes videos.  We would hang out at the pool and try to improve our swimming.  We would go to the park so that we could get some fresh air.  We would visit the zoo.  We explored the city.  All the nooks and crannies.  The days were epic.  But nighttime held a special magic that day could not ever provide.  Nighttime was storytime. Bible Study Brother and I would get all cuddled up in the bed with…

Unlike many people, I did not get my ears pierced as a baby.  I suppose Bible Study Mama had more pressing issues to think about.  You may know by now, that even as a child, I had extraordinarily strong opinions.  Four or five-year-old me wanted pierced ears.  I launched a fierce campaign with Bible Study Mama.  She was persuaded by my impassioned plea.  She called the rest of the village to see if they agreed with my idea.  They complied.  We were off to handle business. I wish I could tell you why I wanted my ears pierced so badly.  I just know that it was extremely important to me. …

A fresh wind.  An unexpected wind.  I spent a good 30 minutes on Sunday afternoon being a buffer for the wind.  Bible Study Cousin had constructed balloon towers for decorations for our life group.  The balloons were attached to anchors to help them stand upright.  But we had not accounted for the wind.  The brisk fall air moved throughout the event.  Some balloons could not take the push.  As the towers rocked back and forth, balloons made contact with the asphalt and popped.  One balloon unraveled from the string and rolled across the parking lot.  While I generally enjoy a great breeze, I did not enjoy it in that moment. …