Contemplations of a Mommy "Monk"

The door opens and a powerful voice beckons you to enter the board room. In your black high heels, hose, and power suit, you are prepared for the ensuing questions. "Why would you be the best choice for this position ma'am?" "What qualifies you for the job?" Inevitably, the discussion will turn to this question: "What do you consider to be your top three strengths?" And as a follow-up inquiry, "What are your weaknesses?" Most of us are well aware of our weaknesses for they have been tripping us up for quite a while. In addition, many people can pinpoint at least one personal strength. What are your top three in each category? I am a good leader who uses vision and delegation to complete tasks. I have always been a student, picking up new concepts quickly and with eagerness. My greatest strength is teaching, because somehow I can take a complicated topic and break it down into manageable pieces for the learner. Do I have to limit my weaknesses...

Mother Teresa said, “We are all pencils in the hand of God.” This is an inspiration to me as a writer and as a minister of reconciliation. If I am a willing instrument in His hand, He will write a story that is worth reading. Mother Teresa’s life story exemplified this willingness to surrender to the will of the Father as she lived a life of service with a smile on her lips. Shortly after she moved on from this world, her diaries were opened and the inner life of this woman of God was revealed. Some were shocked to see that a saintly woman would have doubts and fears. Does this new information change our view of Mother Teresa? In one sense, these discoveries are heartening news because it shows that doubts and fear are not foreign in the life of a disciple of Christ. It is encouraging and comforting to know that Mother Teresa followed God despite inner struggles and her life shows how to be faithful while at the same time being honest with God about life’s questions. Opening th...

Yesterday, in the midst of being overwhelmed with the grace of receiving an award, I read an email from my husband that kept it all in perspective. I fell off my chair laughing at his satire. If I ever start to think a little too highly of myself, I know who will help me keep it REAL. More on authenticity later this week... oh my beutiful heather, thank you so much for your eloquent work. you make my heart blush with tears of apple blossoms. the words you speak are like dew drops in the morning, glistening in the sun waiting to be inhaled by those in need of quenching. You took my parched soul and sprinkled wonderfully refreshing words that filled my day with love. love that can only be summarized as magical. i can only hope to be like you one day. a day that will glow in the incandescent light of the moon. peace to you and many blessings as you follow your creators path in all its wonderful glory. Lord, don't ever let me hide behind my writing but instead let me be o...

“Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me.” Psalm 139:1 God’s intimate knowledge of every hidden part of my soul overwhelms me. He has searched in the darkest places and seen inside the locked messy closets of my heart. Nothing is hidden from Him. He knows my every thought – those that I ought to act upon but don’t and even the thoughts that make me blush. He knows I’m not perfect – He’s well aware of that fact. So, why do I keep trying to pretend like I have it all together? I can’t hide my imperfections from Him – that sweater doesn’t cover up the flaws and the makeup won’t help either. So, I’m done with pretending and I’m ready to be REAL. “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” Psalm 139:23 Jesus wants us to come to Him “Just as we are.” He expects us to bring to Him our brokenness, our humanity and our failures. When you think about it, that’s all I really have to give Him anyway – my praises, my works are pitiful offerings but He is pleased with my brokenness. Psal...