Writing a book about how you’ve survived the process that caused your world to crumble down as it smashed your heart is not an easy feat emotionally. It’s like you’re reliving many of the horrors that you first experienced. And when you’re in the midst of this mindset, vulnerably writing through the story you own you examine how it is … Read More
Thoughts on God and Dishwashing
I don’t so much mind scrubbing dishes and loading the dishwasher as much as I do actually putting the clean dishes away. There’s something therapeutic about the act of scrubbing away the grime while standing over the sink, seeing progress. There’s lots of time for thought, prayer, and reflection while wiping mess away from plates, pots, and pans. Even when … Read More
What A Mother With Empty Arms Can Do
This coming Sunday will be a year since I labored to deliver the remains of my only child’s body. It was too soon for a delivery like that to bring breaths into this world. Before he could breathe in the polluted oxygen of earth, he took his first breath in the pristine air of Heaven. I knew about him for … Read More
Hashtag (Or Who God Says You Are)
Recently, I had someone say a real stumper to me. “I’m not cookie cutter like you, Emily.” I walked away hurt, but also confused. The conversation was a difficult one for a myriad of reasons. I scratched my head, trying to figure out whom in this world I was exactly like. It was sort of a sarcastic scratch, because I … Read More
Top Ten (OK, Thirteen) Take Aways From She Speaks 2015
I’ve been on the road this week after wrapping up time well spent learning at Proverbs Thirty One Ministries She Speaks Writers’ and Speakers’ Conference in Concord, North Carolina. I joined over 800 other women who LOVE words and want to learn how to use them wisely to point others to the Word who became flesh and made His dwelling … Read More
Jeff Goins Interview
I’ve been in the thick of my calling, lately. I’m writing a book and unbeknownst to what I expected, I’m not in this process alone. I can’t do it by myself. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about my calling is that it takes a village…a tribe of people who will support you and help make it happen. Jeff Goins … Read More
The trite blog I’m avoiding
I’ve been appreciating our fully blooming backyard all week. It’s intoxicating with sweet fragrances drifting from our wisteria-covered trellis. The vibrant colors of those purple blooms, pink cherry blossom trees, fuchsia azaleas, red, yellow, and plumb colored tulips create a panorama of delight. Yet, in the tulip bed, there they are…the dandelions and various accomplices. That’s right, weeds. When I … Read More