I thought about texting Laura when I was ten minutes out. Laura would be waiting, perhaps on the white porch above the creek or maybe in her little library… or probably in her tiny kitchen next to the pale turquoise cast iron cookstove. I was on a trek across the country, but I wanted … Continue reading Finding Laura
Tag: discouraged
The Back Roads
I followed the back roads to get home. I drove past long-forgotten places. They sagged with history and, sometimes, poverty. The highway would’ve been faster, but I like the back roads. They hold secret treasures. Bumpus Mills was an unlikely town hidden on a hillside. I passed a mechanics garage and Bumpus Mills Baptist Church. … Continue reading The Back Roads
Laurie’s Top Ten for Troubled Times
Gonna share a humble list of stuff I’ve learned. Life can be kinda hard. God’s gotten me through a lot. Here are some tips which have helped. Watch this space for more details on every Tip!
Risks and Rewards and Renewal
Sometimes you just have to take a risk. When your loved one leaves you after 40 years, you’re alone. That, in and of itself, is a risk. I’m an old woman but I refuse to succumb to fear. I won’t be robbed of adventure. I won’t be discouraged. Camping alone is a little risky. Beautiful … Continue reading Risks and Rewards and Renewal
Fill ‘er Up.
A wise person told me we won’t have much to give if we don’t fill up every once in a while. This is a story of filling. I wasn’t dressed for a snowy walk. I headed to the post office in leaky rubber clogs and an old tattered sweatshirt. No gloves. I grabbed my … Continue reading Fill ‘er Up.
Shattered Pot…Made New
Slowing down a minute to drop this note. In the future I’ll be sharing more about how this Type A “cracked pot” became shattered, but...for today... I want to let you know how I have the power to become new...even at the old age of 66! First...a question: ✅ Is there something missing in your … Continue reading Shattered Pot…Made New
Get out of the Graveyard!
God had me in mind when I stumbled onto the message. Pastor talked about getting stuck in our painful places of grief, regret, disappointment, hurt, rejection, and loss. He said God did not create us to get stuck. -Raise your hand if you’ve ever been a prisoner to pain. (My hand is up.) Let me … Continue reading Get out of the Graveyard!
Monday Moods: Choose JOY!
I’m my own biggest joy-robber. I forget I’ve got joy inside me. Joy’s an inside job. It comes, free of charge, when we embrace the awesome love of Jesus. Nothing can take it away. But I forget. Good thing the Joshua Tree reminds me of joy, hope and strength. I’m glad they haven’t changed the … Continue reading Monday Moods: Choose JOY!
Pause to Paint: I’m done!
I’m messy. I’m tired. I’m grateful. I’m done. As I painted my daughter’s room, I started getting depressed. - Why am I covering up my kid’s life? - Just because clouds and glowing stars are scratched and marred, does that mean I have to clean it up? I sighed. Help me out, God. “Be grateful.” … Continue reading Pause to Paint: I’m done!
Painting Pause: Day Three
w My face is speckled. My hands are cramping. Why do I put myself through this? Dip the brush. Drag the paint line. Roller the space. Repeat. This...is my life. I’m not done yet. But wait! There is hope! If God can help Joshua, how can I doubt Him in this painting project? He will … Continue reading Painting Pause: Day Three










