The author reflects on the joy of Christmas, recalling childhood memories of anticipation and excitement, especially for cowgirl boots. This experience parallels a deeper spiritual message about the gift of salvation through Christ. The author encourages others to embrace this gift with the same enthusiasm, urging them not to miss the opportunity for eternal hope.
When I was younger, I had an uncanny way of escaping discomfort. If the course sounded too difficult, I dropped it. If the relationship became tense, I avoided it. I missed growth opportunities because I preferred comfort. Raise your hand if you’ve learned that the struggle is part of the story, and avoiding it prolongs…… Continue reading The Gift of Hardship
Her words echoed through the secret places of my soul. There was no way she knew her sentiments were the antithesis to the barrage of doubt and deeply rooted insecurity within me. The power of words is widely understood, but I am not sure we always let words heal us. I know without asking that…… Continue reading Two Things CAN be True
May was a hard month. Not only was I closing down my first year as an Interim Principal, but we were also preparing our youngest for high school graduation. Glorious, yes, but with glory comes a truckload of transition. It took me weeks to put words to all the things bubbling up in my heart.…… Continue reading Dear Son: A Post-Graduation Reflection
New Book Announcement! It has been a long wait with many twists and turns, but I guess that is to be expected when releasing a book about wisdom. From my editor being placed on a jury to me taking on a new full-time job during the process, we have traversed many roads to get to…… Continue reading Wisdom in the Weeds: Now Available!
It’s almost time for my second book to release, and I am excited to share it with you! Wisdom in the Weeds is a journey of self-discovery through unrealized pain and reconciliation, revealing perspective into hidden places of the human heart. Each essay exposes common traumas consistently avoided by giving our mind’s eye the ability…… Continue reading Wisdom in the Weeds: Releasing Soon!
Welcome to life in Texas! When I moved to Texas to student teach in the late nineties, I was surprised at the cultural differences I did not anticipate. Coming from Illinois, I was used to life that was undergirded by grit, a strong work ethic, and resourcefulness. Among the alarm at seeing cars on car…… Continue reading Why Shutting Down is Sometimes Necessary
For those of you who are new around here, I am test driving a solo podcast project. It may take off, and it may not. I am simply letting things unfold and putting in the reps to become stronger in brevity when sharing a message. Thank you for sacrificing five-seven minutes of your day to…… Continue reading Worth Your Time–Episode Four
When we got the news that all our kids would be home for Christmas, we felt deep joy. For anyone who has grown and flown children, you know exactly what this feels like. It is no small feat to gather all your people, so the simple act of being under one roof at the same…… Continue reading Cookie Fail; Humility Win
For anyone who feels lost or lonely today, I see you. I can also relate. While I always loved the idea of Christmas, the execution of it seemed to fall short of the picture I had in my mind. It was an inarticulate sorrow that came in waves every other year; it was one that…… Continue reading Merry Christmas 2022
Alyssa DeLosSantos 