In 17 years, Bill and I have weathered two moves, adding 6 children to our family, a debt-free journey, being on WIC and food stamps, 2 kids graduating high school, 20 different jobs between us, my journey through seminary and ordination, several private family struggles (which aren’t open for internet disclosure), 3 grandparent deaths, about 6 car accidents, the planning and execution of a 16 day family camping trip with 8 of us in a 30′ travel trailer, 17 years of NASCAR racing travel (9 of those in the exhausting Cup Series), countless sports practices and events, 6 different public schools with our kids, and more dead fish than we can count.
Tag Archives: Prayer
Grounded Knowing
This year, I’m using the Present Over Perfect Guided Journal. I read Shauna Neiquist’s Present Over Perfect book when it came out a few years ago and so much of it just connected with me. When I saw she had created a journal, I knew it was right for this season of my life. TheContinue reading “Grounded Knowing”
Ideas for Taking Your Own Retreat
Recently, I was able to get away for a personal weekend retreat. For some, it seems like such a luxury (and I fully recognize that it is). Especially when you have small children, or are a single parent, the thought of spending 2 nights alone, in a quiet place seems like an unattainable dream. IContinue reading “Ideas for Taking Your Own Retreat”
Book Review: Discernment
Reading Discernment is like listening to a wise mentor and sharing questions and conversation. Nouwen shares lessons on solitude, community, and figuring out truth.
Book Review: Get Your Life Back
This book walks a journey from a frenzied soul, to moments of pause, to connection with God.
Book Review: The Hard Good
Right now, your first goal may not be for God to use you. You may simply be trying to recover from something, or clinging to the hope that better days are ahead. But at some point, you’ll need more than just hanging on. You’ll want what’s left of your life to matter. When you getContinue reading “Book Review: The Hard Good”
Letting Go
The Son brings forth the dance, the gracefulness, the delight in the letting go.
How I Messed Up Mother’s Day
I wanted to be a grateful mother. I wanted to be an appreciative wife. I wanted to be good and do good. I even asked God for help. And then, I went and screwed it all up.
Today we pray
I am already tired of the conversation surrounding my chosen denomination’s major quadrennial gathering for budget setting and decision-making. I am already tired of the typed shouting declaring which side is right. I am already tired of the variable guessing of what will happen if… So today, today we pray. Will you join me?
Doing Something Right
Yep. Sometimes God gives us just what we need to remind us that we’re doing something right.
Rev. Kris Mares 