What do you want?
I had this conversation once. I was super frustrated because I knew I was supposed to be doing something else…something “more.”
Read moreIt Feels Good to be Lost in the Right Direction
I may not have the day-to-day figured out but I do have a bigger vision in mind and as more and more days pass I'm able to look back and see how all of it is actually coming together pretty well. I'm comfortable with being lost because I feel it's in the right direction.
Read moreJoy to the Table From the Trunk of My Car
I've kept sewing and writing since that day because I don't believe we need more things to divide us, I think we need bigger tables to bring us together. We need to have conversations that matter with people that may not look like we look and think like we think...These jars and this little website - they are part of my protest. They are part of my purpose.
Read moreKermit the Frog, Contemplatin' and a Jump Into a Dream
Kermit the Frog hears voices. He's a talking, singing, acting frog that hears voices. And I thought I was going crazy.
Read moreSometimes Life Knocks the Wind Out of You and Your Tires.
Ever had one of THOSE weeks?
A week that isn't necessarily bad but can be better described as an emotional roller coaster accented with dramatic climbs before big drops and a few loops that have you hanging upside down before you've had a chance to catch your breath? A time that is exciting and exhausting all packaged into seven days.
Let's call the drops the crappy parts and can we talk about a few of those first? Thanks.
I've had to have some really uncomfortable conversations lately. One of those conversations ended with the request that I type up a statement that isn't true, sign my name to it and submit it to the person requesting it as if it were true. Crap.
What's even crappier (if that's not a word it is today) is that I actually had to respond to such a crap request. The answer was - no.
Then there are the loops. Let's call those the abnormally high number of temper tantrums my five-year-old had.
This was also my last week at the agency I work for. I planned a meeting at 8:45 Wednesday morning to review a client presentation and ran over a nail on my way to the office. I completely missed the meeting and spent a nice chunk of change on two new tires. Crappiest of the crap considering the timing of the meeting not to mention the end of employment literally lingering just hours away. Craaaaaaappppp!
Oh but the climbs, the climbs were so good!
I curated a Wednesday night prayer and Bible study that kicked off its third week. I'm really enjoying it, learning a lot and so grateful for the opportunity and support I've received.
As I continued to inch my way up on the ride of life, plans to have my son in Houston for Spring Break have been taken care of and I'm definitely looking forward to spending time with him! His pending visit makes my heart happy.
Here's the thing though. The thing that kept me from crawling into a fetal position next to my flat tire.
I started out the week preaching and part of my message included discussion about navigating through tough times. On Sunday we took a look at the Hebrew word "ruach." It means, "Spirit, wind or breath" as found in Genesis 1:2.
The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
If this Breath that hovered over the empty darkness is the same Breath that was Breathed into man then what does that say about every breath we take and the power it holds?
The climbs, the drops, the loops - they are all Holy and excellent opportunities to pause and simply catch our breath.
Inhale. Exhale. Enjoy the ride.
Photo Cred: Melvin Meade
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May your days be filled with compassion, your faith remain strong and may growth be your compass.
~Tia
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Ashes to Ashes. Giving up a Corporate Title for Lent.
As the day approached and those close to the situation learned of my imminent departure the most frequent question I was asked was, "What are you going to do next? Did you find something else?" Yes. Yes, to both.
Read moreCorn. The Other Mustard Seed
I dreamed up something in a library at a Benedictine Retreat Center in Schuyler, Nebraska surrounded by cornfields and this week I'll move forward into that dream rooted in Faith and with the support of a community that has become family here in Houston. I am so excited, amazed and grateful for it all!
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