While training for a half-marathon several years ago, nothing—neither hell nor high water—could prevent me from accomplishing my goal. I ran at 5 a.m. in below-freezing temperatures. I ran when my health was not great. I ran when my feet ached and screamed, “Please don’t make us put on those shoes!” For me, goal-achievement reigns […]
Community
Questions to help you assess who you are right now
The New Year is here, and maybe you’re overwhelmed by all the looking back and dreaming forward. I wonder if, just for a minute, you and I could look at who we are right now. In 2018, on the blog, we’ll focus on three areas: Our GPS (where we are right now and WHO we are). […]
How to cope when you’re disappointed you’re not invited to that New Year’s Eve party
Ryan and I know what the four of us will do every year for New Year’s Eve. The girls and I will make sugar cookies with clock faces. We’ll all drink orange soda (because Max and Ruby did on Nick Jr.). And Ryan and I’ll go to bed around 11 p.m. This is a good […]
When you feel too fragile for friendship
I load our baby and toddler into the car. Sleep deprivation has sunk into my bones, but we’re headed to Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) anyway with the help of MapQuest because I have no idea where I’m going in this new town. I hope to meet one nice mom, but really, I’ll settle for any […]
Why perfectionists hate community
This time of year, every church invites us to get plugged in to a small group. Pastors extol the benefits of doing life with others, and we’re reminded that we’re designed for community. My first response is: I’d rather poke my eye out with a dull pencil. Wait, wait, wait. I love people. I love […]
Why fixing is kryptonite to our friendships
If we’re having coffee together and you share a struggle or a hurt, here’s my MO: listen, nod my head, and then give you 12 ideas to solve your “problem.” Then I’d text you three different podcast episodes to listen to. We’d finish our lattes, and I’d walk away from our conversation all proud of […]