Maybe it’s classic American self-importance, but even if you’re not an American, I assume you know we have a big election next week? It’s been divisive and polarizing, to say the least. The rhetoric is heated and scoffing is rampant on both sides. And that’s inside the church (but not mine, necessarily, thankfully)! The most polarizing issues get attention, urgent issues get ignored (school funding reform anyone??!), and issues that shouldn’t be polarizing have been politicized (coronavirus, masks). We’re...
I’m no professional, but you know what I prescribe for stressful days when life feels crushing? Breathing. Prayer and Scripture. Friends. Therapy. The outdoors. And low-stress painting! I can help you with the last one! Here’s a little color mixing experiment you can do with simple watercolor supplies. I found this idea for mixing greens in the Watercolor Fix-it Book by Tony Van Hasselt and Judi Wagner. To break out of the “tray” or “bottle” of greens and get...
How is it the middle of October already? Our days have been filled with school in the morning, lots of play time outside with friends, naps for me in the afternoon, followed by me avoiding making dinner as best I can. But in the midst of these wearying days, there are good things! Here’s a little recap: Recent Art And how can I not share this little treasure of a family portrait from my son? This is my favorite...
October 1, 2020
anxiety•books that shape me•prayer•Uncategorized•weakness•worry
A fierce love for dark days
One of the lessons I’ve learned in this pandemic is that it’s okay to be gentle with myself. It’s okay to show myself compassion and care. I’ve learned that my anxiety can get the better of me if I don’t pay attention to the warning signals my emotions send. In response, I have needed to allow myself extra rest and fewer demands (where possible, haha). “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”...
Here’s a little easy, relaxing, no-pressure art project you can try at home! I love playing with abstracts when you want to experiment with color mixing and not worry about “getting it right.” First grab these supplies (Amazon links are associate links*): watercolor paints (I use this Koi brand tray set, my kids use a tray set from Michael’s) brushes + water thick paper or watercolor paper cut into small rectangles optional: oil pastels, Nupastels, or chalk pastels for...
Hello friends! I’ve told you before that I grew up in a mostly Southern Baptist church tradition, so I wasn’t raised using the traditional liturgy of the ancient Christian church. I recently got a copy of the Book of Common Prayer and have been blessed by the daily Psalms reading and other prayers. I find these practices useful in difficult times when it feels hard to prayer “on my own,” when the world feels heavy, and when I’m easily...
