speaking truth

I've found that a huge part of this exercise of posting daily is one of perseverance, persistence, pressing on when I'd rather sit down and shut up and let other people do the talking. That still sounds preferable, if I'm honest, but there's this thing: I'm gettin' bored with timidity. There's too much to be said - too many wonderful things and people and ideas in this world to discuss, to praise, to question - to be overly concerned with something so silly as what might she think? what might he say? what if what if what if?

I've been in that place, friends - so, so many times. I've said things that I think will make other people like me more, and I've kept my mouth shut in order to preserve some impression or image. Quickest way to a confused & conflicted heart, if you ask me.

Let's learn to walk a path of honesty. Let's speak the truth to one another in love. What might God do in our midst?

and because it has been too long and because life is just so good every day:

0101. rainstorms rolling in

0102. mint water, mint tea, mint gum.

0103. our funny Starbucks barista

0104. a safe place to sleep

0105. my MOM'S coming to BOSTON. on FRIDAY!

0106. answered prayer

0107. forgiveness

0108. sweet, pregnant Adrienne

0109. a week's worth of vacaaation

0110. a quiet walk home

just.

so.

good.

new old music.

I've recently discovered some excellent music. Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Wilco - where have you been all my life?

Friday? is it really you?

The past seven days are officially in the running for longest week ever.

but - deep breath - it's Friday. and there's something about Friday that'll make even the weariest of amateur social workers perk up.

A week from today, my very own momma will travel to Boston. She'll hop aboard a jet, fly over lakes and mountains and sky and cruise into Logan mid-dayish. She's coming to see the city, and to relax - but, mostly, she's coming to see me.

[Leisa Ann, age 16]

People often say that I favor my mom, and it's true - we share DNA and heart and memories. She's a woman of compassion, of emotional generosity, who loves much and often. She feels things deeply, as do I, and is a better woman for it. In me, she has instilled the value of faith; in her, I've witnessed the beauty of a heart that hopes against the odds.

anticipating lots of laughs, perhaps a few tears, and a whole lotta life crammed into five days.

[Sarah, Becca, and Mom, last summer at Fenway]

sweet, sweet music.

easily one of my favorite bands. watch, listen & enjoy!

A Conversation with Punch Brothers About Antifogmatic from Punch Brothers on Vimeo.

gettin' out of town.

I spent today miles & miles away at Stow Acres Country Club for a work-related fundraiser. When I wasn't honed in on Hole #4 - I'd been assigned the task of witnessing at the hole, since a hole-in-one made the lucky golfer eligible for a hefty cash prize - I read a little of this book, shared good conversation with great people, enjoyed the sunshine and ubiquitous green, and drove a golf cart without causing serious injury to myself or my passengers. Overall, I'd call the day a success. =)

and now, I'm drinkin' tea and being quiet and listening to mellow Jesus music. In all honesty, I need to hear and know the gospel - the good news - tonight, 'cause I feel like I've forgotten it - or, at the very least, that it applies to this weary saint.

grateful for generous friends, Subway sandwiches (for lazy nights), and new mercies that'll greet me in the morning.

you're being robbed.

I like to read Donald Miller's blog. He's one of my favorite authors because he's honest, witty, and just self-deprecating enough to be endearing (instead of annoying). His post today seeped into my mind and found a nice, cozy corner to knock around in - read it, if you'd like - and has me asking this question:

"How are my addictions and habits robbing me of a better story?"

We've all got 'em - the ways that we spend time, that tick-tock-ticking currency of living, that do little to speak beauty or truth or life into our own story or those stories being lived around us. The days pass, as days do, and we find that these ways of being - these less-than-redemptive habits and addictions - are now life, and, well, about that: when did life become so boring? As Don says: bad habits create boring stories.

I have a habit of procrastinating in facing situations/people/tasks that cause me to feel stressed. I think, maybe, that something about this act gives me an illusion of control - "I'll decide when and how and where to have that awkward conversation, thankyouverymuch!" - but regardless of the why, this is one of my own pet habits that happens to be creating a very boring, very repetitive story in my life's trajectory.

I want to live a story that shouts of life's value and beauty and goodness - you know the sort. I'm thinking that dragging my feet, making excuses, and kicking myself the next day (or week or month or year) isn't quite the way to make that happen. Anyone want to argue the point?

Here's a question [rhetorical or not-so-much, your pick]: what's robbing you?

good morning, brighteyes.

I am inspired by this lady to blog each and every day for one month. Since it's June 7th, I'm gonna try my darnedest to write something every. single. day until July 7th.

Ready...

set.....

GO!!!

Here are five of my favorite things about being up at the crack o' dawn:
1. birds just chirp-chirp-chirping away
2. sun peeking over rooftops
3. coffee. mmmmmm!
4. peace & quiet
5. the hope and promise of a new day

Happy mornin' to ya!