Free Indeed

I stopped fighting when I heard the harsh rip of fabric, felt the bright silk tear & reveal two smooth calves. Of all the thoughts that could have occupied my mind, the only important thing was my new dress, now hanging in tatters. I had worked so hard for this dress. I had scrutinized over…

My Dear Momma

I missed your birthday this year. I sent you a card, and I sang Happy Birthday over the phone. But I wasn't there. That hurt. For a week now, I've been sulking about it. Not openly, not making a big deal, not letting everyone know how I'm feeling. But my heart has been all twisted up inside…

In The Name Of Love

The air smelled like car exhaust & something illegal. A restaurant nearby boasted a "Drag Brunch", which was everything you think it is. The cracked pavement was covered in graffiti. A lady painted in an alley while a cigarette smoked at her side. The streets smelled like urine & alcohol & rotten flowers. A girl…

Scintilla (n.) a tiny, brilliant flash or spark

We drifted out of the restaurant, high on laughter & the spirit of God's goodness. Ours was a loud group that probably seemed drunk, but that was the furthest from the truth. We were filled to the brim with joy & love & goodness, and to be honest, we were basking in the blessing that…

To Release What Is Within You

I asked my Instagram followers if there was anything they wanted to know specifically about this big new move, and the first response came from someone wanting to know what our roles would be in our new church. I have been asked to work as the nursery coordinator, which means I will be putting together…

A World Entirely My Own

Do you ever cry at the silliest of moments? I always have. When Matthew died in Downton Abbey, I sat in my chair & wept. When leaving vacation, I aways start crying, for reasons I can't explain. When I read a good book, or see a beautiful sunset, or stare at a work of art,…

Filled With His Goodness, Lost In His Love

The exact words spoken by so many people over the past few years: I don't know how you do it, Nora. Honestly, I don't know how I do it, either. Moving to Florida has happened in such a rush. For what felt like forever, we weren't there yet. And then, it sprung upon us, and we…

Because They’re More Than Just Flowers

Live a life that draws people to you so that you can draw them to me. -Jesus

Why Do The Flowers Even Matter?

And as I swept up petals from the front steps, I almost started crying that I was about to throw away my flowers. Which got me thinking, Why do they matter so much?

When You Start To Crack Open

Have you ever watched a glass of water shatter? Have you ever stared in horror as the child's elbow moves too fast, and the cup is falling, and you are paralyzed as you realize that you can do nothing to stop it? Have you ever sat in shock for two seconds as water begins to…

Getting Silent

Did you know that the average millennial's attention span is less than that of a goldfish? Eight seconds - that is how long my generation can stay connected & engaged with any one thing. Over the past month I have sat at home while job searching. Actually, two, now that I stop & think about…

Says the Potter to the Clay

Stop it. Right now. Act like you're supposed to act. I was sitting on a too-small stool while trying to form a pinch bowl (which is exactly what it sounds like), on the verge of screaming because the clay was not cooperating. It was the first thing we learned how to do, and as I…