Encouraging Deep Roots

When I started this blog 18 years ago (has it really been that long?), my goal was to share from my heart. I often share ways that God is speaking to me and I never wanted to come from a position of "I have all the answers so you should listen to me." The reality is that I'm figuring out life as I go along and I want to be transparent enough so that those reading could actually relate to what I write.  Life is hard. There are not easy answers and if anyone tells you that, they are not being honest. Sometimes as I share it seems as if I come to one conclusion about something, but then change my mind at a later date. And that is because as God deals with me I may find that I was wrong about something or need to tweak it. So the problem with being transparent is that I have to come back and write about a different conclusion.  It was interesting today as I was walking and contemplating about my life and some of what I wrote the other day about needing connection. And then I ...

Today is Mother's Day and as I reflect on my own life, there have been a few women in my life whom stand out to me.... Each Sunday, my father would pick us up and take us to our grandmother's for Sunday dinner.  I remember each week she would prepare a huge meal down to the pies and cakes for her large brood.  The women would clean up the kitchen after the meal while the men were in various stages of talking or napping around the house. We children would run around the farm, climbing trees and generally getting into trouble.  My grandmother was a sweet, soft-spoken woman who willingly served her family this way. My mother worked long, long hours as a single mom but I do remember her always making a large Saturday morning breakfast.  Apple fritters were at the top of the list.  I also recall numerous Halloween costumes being sewn for me as a child. She read to us and instilled a desire for education in me. She taught us to be responsible and to follow through on ...

I've been missing in action here for more than a week. In that time, we've celebrated a birthday (my eldest's), went to a conference for a few days, ministry activities, and just been overall busy. Plus, to be honest, I just haven't had much to say. Yesterday afternoon, I spent getting ready for today's farmer's market. I'm torn with doing it because it takes such a large chunk out of my Saturdays. However, as a people person who is alone most of my days it affords me the opportunity to get out in the community and be around people. I've met new acquaintences. I've gotten some business opportunities, including being interviewed for a local television channel next Saturday about my cookbook and plant-based eating. Being at the market meets a need I have for connection. We moved here seven years ago and there are days when it's a challenge. It has been difficult to establish deep connections with some. I'm not sure why some people hold us at ar...