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…

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…

All Is Calm, All Is Bright

It was so cold. That is all I have been able to think about ever since I learned that hot, desert areas get next to freezing at night. Never mind that the Savior of the world was being born, or that the miracle to end all miracles was happening. Reading through the birth of Jesus,…

When Fear Comes Knocking & My Thoughts Wage War

Have you ever been at that crossroads? You know the one. Not the one yellow-colored one Robert Frost wrote about. The other one where Fear stands, pointing & yelling, This one is safer! You know you can't make it down that path! You're not up for it! You'll never make it! You might as well give…

To Those Who See the Sun

We crept around trees & campsites looking for the perfect spot to watch the sun come up. As tired as we were, we were determined to watch this sunrise, and the morning chill could not stop us. Pink & orange painted the pale sky as we followed a trail out onto a sliver of a…