The First Step: an Open Letter to My White Loved Ones

I’m sure you heard about the death of George Floyd. The senseless murder of this man. The one that was documented on video from multiple angles? Yeah, that one. You may have been watching the reaction develop. You may have already drawn some conclusions — both good and bad — about the situation, the reaction, the way forward. I want to share a few things with you, from my heart.

Little Things

During my first year of community college, I befriended a girl named A. She was one of those people that was always smiling. Always kind. Always positive, respectful, thoughtful, and affirming. We took our first American Sign Language class together and I enjoyed every time that we were paired for practice. I can still remember […]

How to Love Someone with Anxiety

I am fortunate to be loved by a wide range of personalities, dispositions, and people. Many of which can only relate to feelings of anxiety in the realm of the hypothetical. I don’t understand ya, but I’m here for you! Because of my own experience with anxiety, I’ve been asked how to minister to someone […]

Why I Prefer the Mundane Over Anniversaries

I felt disillusioned. Shouldn’t big events mean more than the regular days?

In Times Like These: a Virtual Care Package

As an intensely introverted person, I love being alone. Furthermore, I’m a homebody, so I love not having anywhere to go and having plans cancelled. That said, there’s something about mandatory or “highly-recommended” staying home that sucks the enjoyment out of it. I don’t know what your situation is like right now. Maybe you’re at home […]

The Secret to Surviving the Hardest Hike of Your Life

A few weeks ago, the husband and I took a trip to the absolutely captivating Cape Town, South Africa. Normally the most anti-tourist person you’ll meet, this time I wanted to do all the things. All the food. All the beaches. All the scenery. It was a whirlwind of three days and I only wish […]

The Power of Expressed Gratitude

I don’t thank him because it’s rare; I thank him because I appreciate it. I appreciate him. And instead of allowing his service to be forgotten in a string of routine, I choose to draw attention and say thank you.

Is It Too Early for Marriage Reflections?

Today marks two months since I married my best friend (that is, if you’re counting from the first wedding :). We’ve already done so much! Moved continents, gotten married again, hosted friends and family, gone on several trips, bought furniture, budgeted so many times… Living life with him is nothing short of wonderful; and there […]

A Levitical Reflection: Integrity

Leviticus is an easy book to let one’s eyes lose focus and start planning the rest of the day’s to-do list. But you don’t think I brought you here to stop there, did you?

The Journey of Self-Discipline

When I taught high school English (& PE, Communications, Personal Finance, & Spanish…), I had something called Life Skills. This was the usual Friday activity where I would accept any and all questions and give the best counsel I (with Google) could give. Those were some wonderful Fridays. I told my students that they could […]