I was in my late teens, working at a summer camp. Enjoying a rare and brief moment away from the kids at the end of a long day. Walking through the trees with another counselor, one of the few fellow Christians at the camp. I don’t remember exactly what led up to it, but after…
Tag: Growth
I Wish I Knew
I wish I knew it was okay: That I didn’t excel at sports. That I didn’t have a boyfriend. That I wasn’t a part of the “in” crowd. I wish I didn’t believe the lies I told myself: If only I was thinner. If only I was prettier. If only just one of the popular guys asked…
Exploring the Enneagram
What is the Enneagram? The Cliffnotes version—it’s a personality typing system with 9 types that focuses on core motivations. It is uniquely designed for personal growth, but as I talk to more people about the Enneagram and have helped them find their type, I’ve found a common reaction to the negative aspects of each type—embarrassment…
I Stand Corrected
I have been reprimanded several times lately, by different individuals. Even though not all were harshly delivered, they took me by surprise and bit into my fragile ego. I instantly felt like an eight year old, caught with my hand in the cookie jar. I’m a grandma for goodness sake! Shouldn’t I be past the…
A Decade’s Worth of Spiritual Formation
Everyone’s spirits are shaped. A lot of the time we aren’t aware of it, or if we are, we feel like formation “just happens” as we pray, read our Bibles, and serve others. But there’s more! A decade of motherhood has formed my spirit profoundly, actively, and relentlessly. As 2010 opened, I had a 3-year-old,…
Making Room for the New
Author: Beth Vice On days without sunny skies and fluffy white snow, January can feel dark—leafless trees, decay-matted flower beds, and unrelenting cold. It’s a stark contrast to the color and exuberance of Christmas. This is the month I struggle most with depression, overeating, and the desire to hibernate. But taking time to celebrate the…
Hope for Gardening
I sat, kneeled, and squatted until my muscles ached and burned from fatigue. My nails, even when covered with gloves, became encrusted with earth. The sun beat on my back. Sweat trickled down my neck. I, the greenthumb’s daughter, was gardening for the second weekend in a row. Let’s be real: I never voluntarily garden….
Hope for Spring
It was one of those days in which the rain kept coming. I stood behind my church’s connection desk, and watched as one of the greeter’s hair soared straight into the air, as the wind swirled and ruffled it to and fro. The drear and drizzle continued throughout most of the afternoon. It was the…
Anchored Voices 