Open Minds Open Possibilities

I recently came across a card I wrote and sealed to myself at the beginning of our doctoral voyage. My little statement of fears, hopes, worries, and prayers from two years ago at Cannon Beach says: Comfort of the known, Fear of rejection/isolation, and Not having much in the way of a “team.” Talk about … Continue reading Open Minds Open Possibilities

We’re Conduits for Love

The more we love, the more we thrive. One of my favorite parts of our home is our large guest room. Family and friends are, literally, always welcome to enjoy its king-sized bed—while sharing our food and drink. Out of 3.5 years here, I estimate guests have stayed with us for 6+ months … and we’d … Continue reading We’re Conduits for Love

Love Al(l)ways

Life is a marvelously messy tapestry of threads formed by—not only—all the people, plants, animals, and rest of material reality; but also, by our thoughts, words, and deeds. Shaming, judgmentalism, holding oneself as “better than,” living from fear, cutting words, self-centeredness, an “us versus them” mentality, violence, defensiveness, seeking to “win,” and inner-criticism—for example—all tear … Continue reading Love Al(l)ways

A Solstice Blessing

On this Summer Solstice: May we remember, even when we can't see the Light, it is always shining on and through us. May the sun remind you, you are always and forever loved. Just as the infinite twinkle of the stars symbolizes your limitless worth; while the earth lets you know you are at home … Continue reading A Solstice Blessing

Love is Everything and Everywhere

I remember a skit from when I went to university in the '90s. I was in Campus Crusade for Christ (I even emceed our big meetings for a good while), and this play featured a silent Jesus following a college student everywhere they went--studying, partying, going to church, etc. The point, as I remember it, being: … Continue reading Love is Everything and Everywhere

Transforming Our Impatience & Frustrations into Kindness & Gentleness

Someone shared with me how they struggle with impatience, are frustrated with the way that energy leads them to irritableness and unkind words to others, and that they long for a gentler spirit. I can SO relate! How about you? They asked me for some life coach advice on the matter, and five simple things … Continue reading Transforming Our Impatience & Frustrations into Kindness & Gentleness

Heaven, We Have a Problem

My heart is in knots. My eyes are faucets. My spirit is heavy, and soul shakes. Another school shooting? More mass shootings than days in the year so far? America, please stop killing children, as well as murdering or terrorizing SO many people who are “different” racially, religiously, mentally, sexually, financially, and so on. We need … Continue reading Heaven, We Have a Problem

Greet with Grace

Lisa and I had a “moment” as she got home for dinner the other day. A confused and frustrated, “what the heck just happened”, type of deal. Knowing she’d been gone most of the day, done all the grocery shopping, and was running significantly later than she’d planned, I was all set to be her … Continue reading Greet with Grace

The Power of the Stories in Our Heads

Have you ever seen a message notification in passing, and created a whole storyline around it before actually reading it ... only to have none of what you imagined probable/possible turn out to be true? I got a FB message from a pastor friend about a shocking death 😮 with a link to an article about it. Since he'd never messaged me … Continue reading The Power of the Stories in Our Heads

Growing Our Love

Ukraine. Putin. Trump. Biden. Vac. Anti-vac. The ways we divide and polarize go on and on. What are we to do? Doesn’t it almost feel like getting past our political, national, racial, and religious tribalism is the only way we’re going to survive and thrive? For me, an essential key in growing into greater wellness and … Continue reading Growing Our Love