While communities scramble for rations of toilet paper and milk, everyday problems and matters of the heart have not let up. Suffering is showing up-business as usual. While taking care of one of our children post-surgery, we were presented with unexpected news and a decision that taxed our minds and labored our hearts. We grappled…… Continue reading Breaking News: Peace is NOT Sold-Out
Is anyone else thankful for the arrival of February? Goodness. Because January didn’t play nice, I am eager for the Refresh gathering this month. What is Refresh? It is a once a month gathering designed for women who need a soul recharge. We worship, share encouragement through teaching, and spend time in prayer. It is…… Continue reading Refresh: A Monthly Worship Gathering
Welcome to a new three part vlog series! {vlog=video blog} Each part of this series is roughly six minutes in length. That’s about the time it takes to check in on social media, curl your bangs, or warm up a frozen meal. While I know we are time poor, I hope you’ll invest six minutes…… Continue reading Porch Pondering Part One: Transplanting
This letter was written by my friend, Letty. When I first read her words, I had to pause several times to collect myself. It’s such a beautiful expression of authentic love. Be prepared to experience the tenderness of her heart and the unique outlook she has on fostering. If you want to grab a tissue,…… Continue reading Dear Foster Baby, I’ll Never Stop Loving You
A blanket of white covered the terrain for as far as the eye could see. Boundaries once created with the silhouette of hedges, were now blurred by the layer of fresh snow. The pathway to our casita was obscured by the tree branches bent low under the weight of the powder. I stood admiring…… Continue reading The Power of Change
The new year offers the hope of fresh possibilities. Whether picking words to guide us, goals to advance us, or plans to transform us, we welcome the opportunity for a fresh start and new beginning. It’s therapeutic turning the page on the previous 365 days. Clean slates are synonymous with re-dos. Who hasn’t desperately longed…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
More often than I care to admit, I need a pep talk. It’s easy for me to calculate the losses in my life and fail to sit with the wins. I have always wanted to be a person whose starting point was gratitude. Since I know my tendency toward a half-empty outlook, pep talks are…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
Before my dreams of being a lawyer, I wanted to be a singer. I had all the heart and zero stage fright. Forget that my “stage” was in an empty church. As a child, those details were inconsequential. Desire trumped rational. [Spoiler alert: I did not become a performer or a lawyer, but they were…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
Relationships are tricky. There isn’t one formula or blueprint that works for all relationships. Flexibility is key but making proper adjustments within the boundaries of each relationship can be grueling. It’s easy to give myself benefit of doubt and assume I’m good at adapting, but I know that’s a little overreaching. I like things to…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
Behind every win is some sort of loss. You may not see it in others, but it’s there. Sure, the trophy is shiny and catches the eye, but it’s a momentary euphoria. The win is often a summation of losses, heartaches, and victories. You have to push through opposition to get to opportunities. So often,…… Continue reading Moment of Truth Monday
Alyssa DeLosSantos 