Monthly Archives: September 2008

Happy Places

  I find it interesting that at the opposite ends of the political spectrum, no one is happy. In fact, there aren’t any cheery spots at any point along the continuum. The vitriol slung across party and policy lines seems to be unprecedented. But we humans haven’t learned any new tricks over the years, in spite of the hype. The din of discontent rises to a crescendo in a major election year. Our financial problems, a war, and growing international influences have only stoked the orchestra this time ‘round. The fact is, politics looks around for a solution, never in. …

Posted in Personal | Your Comment?
Dancing Alone

I missed the ACFW conference this year.  Missed a chance to sway in worship with hundreds of other Christian writers praising our Lord.  Missed a chance to engage in writerly conversation across the table with people from across the globe.  Missed a chance to watch my buddy unpack her own supply of Dr. Pepper and dark chocolate.  I also missed the keynote speaker talk about comparing ourselves to other writers.  Comparison.  Innocuous like an unwielded hatchet.  It can be a vigorous tool to prune ourselves of unproductive habits, or it can be a lethal device that undermines the tender roots …

Posted in Writerly Words | Your Comment?
Aloft on Holy Wind

  The winds of change blow through this time of year, like it or not. While autumn remains my favorite season, I’m a little sorrier to see this particular summer end. I usually look forward to the cooler weather with impatient interest, but this summer we enjoyed the lake so thoroughly, I’m saddened to see the water temperatures dip below my tolerance for un-insulated swimming. At 78 deg Fahrenheit, we are an idle cloud away from my lower limit. As one who successfully avoided the use of ATM cards for several years, I can’t be accused of living on any …

Posted in Personal | Tagged | Your Comment?
The Best Guy

I sometimes wonder if I am a good mother.  I have a great kid.  On that point there is no equivocation.   My question comes to full bloom in those moments I exhibit traits of which I am not proud. Demanding.  Impatient.  Unsympathetic. I could blame my faults on the rearing I received, but that would be irrational, unfair, and inaccurate.  I’m a grown up (finally) and my thoughts, words, and deeds are mine alone.  While I may have tendencies that reflect models in my life, only I can choose to follow.  I can do as I tell my son, “pick-up …

Posted in Personal | Your Comment?