Well, 2013 is in its final, waning hours. The year that for many of my friends was truly an “unlucky” 13th is poised to bid us a not-so-fond farewell. We stand on the threshold of a shiny new year, a clean slate of 365 days that stretches before us with promises of new beginnings, renewed… Continue reading “Goal” Post – The Year in Review
The First Word of Christmas
I know Christ will always be in Christmas because He is the first word. So read the message my daughter wrote in her Christmas card to our pastor. And once again, just like that, God spoke His truth out of the mouth – or the pen – of a child. I know what she meant. … Continue reading The First Word of Christmas
What Matters Most
Hoo-boy. What a week. And not in that “Christmas-is-a-week-away-and-I’m-not-done-with-my-shopping” sort of way. No, this is far more serious. It’s been a week where “peace on earth, goodwill toward men” has been replaced by division and strife, and ugly words – words like “racist”, “intolerant”, “hater”, to name a few – have been hurled across social… Continue reading What Matters Most
Redefining Heroism
Who is your hero? My future principal sat across the desk from me, pen in hand, a giant 3-ring binder in her lap. She looked at me expectantly, as the tape recorder whirred in between us. I was interviewing for a potential teaching position in her district – ideally, in her school – and my… Continue reading Redefining Heroism
The Umbrella: An Anniversary Story
In the corner of our bedroom sits a large black umbrella. Though now over twenty years old, it has never been used…and most assuredly will never be. In fact, it’s only been held once: on a clear and sunny Texas summer afternoon. Sadly, this umbrella will never serve the purpose for which it was manufactured.… Continue reading The Umbrella: An Anniversary Story
Great Expectations
You’ve heard it said God moves in mysterious ways. But what you probably didn’t know is that He also speaks at mysterious times, especially to me. Not like Moses, who witnessed the miracle of a bush completely on fire yet not burning up. Not like Joseph the carpenter, whose dreams blurred the line between imagination… Continue reading Great Expectations
Be the One
Several years ago, I was given a book entitled 212: The Extra Degree. The basic premise is the following: At 211º water is hot. At 212º, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive. The one extra degree makes the difference. This simple analogy reflects the ultimate definition of… Continue reading Be the One
Fight to the Finish: A Non-Running Story
Once upon a time, there was a girl who wasn’t a runner. She decided one day to start not running and she didn’t like it so much, she kept not doing it. After awhile, another friend started not running with her, and eventually – in January, 2012 – they didn’t run a 5K together: The… Continue reading Fight to the Finish: A Non-Running Story
Committed
Ah, January 1. That glorious day when we say “good bye” to the old and “hello” to the new. That day – that singular day – on the calendar when the blank space of 365 unknowns spreads out before us like a book waiting to be written. That day, much like the first day of… Continue reading Committed
Book Review: The Deep End of the Ocean
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. No, no, I’m not referring to the premise of this book. I’m referring to the nightmare of losing yourself in a book like this, finding yourself swallowed up by the intrigue and heartbreak to the point where you can hardly put the book down and as a result end up… Continue reading Book Review: The Deep End of the Ocean