Lately I’ve been thinking about the gift of community. When you’re struggling, community is a gift because it gives you a place to belong, a place you can be vulnerable, a place you can share your real life without fear of judgement. As a newcomer, we may approach a group of people thinking, “What’s in … Continue reading The gift of community
Life with Jesus
Is it possible to be friends with someone I oppose politically?
Now and then, I work at a cute little shop here in town. Just a few days ago, a lady came in and said she was visiting from the other side of Anchorage. We’re celebrating our twenty fifth anniversary; it’s a miracle we didn’t kill each other! I laughed and we chatted until she brought … Continue reading Is it possible to be friends with someone I oppose politically?
Side Quests
My oldest daughter worked in Bristol Bay this summer. She was on the water for a couple months, cooking for the crew of a net barge. The day before she left, she holed herself up in her room to pack and get ready. The following day, she emerged with several papers, various dates scrawled across … Continue reading Side Quests
Lessons from Life’s Not-So-Awesome Moments
Ironies. I want to be loving, without being exposed to unloving people. I want to be joyful, without conflicts that might diminish my joy. I want to be peaceful, with no storms to measure my current level of calm. I want patience, with no opportunities to practice it. I want to be the bringer of … Continue reading Lessons from Life’s Not-So-Awesome Moments
C.S. Lewis on friendship
In friendship…we think we have chosen our peers. In reality a few years' difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another…the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting--any of these chances might have kept us … Continue reading C.S. Lewis on friendship
Ambition To Lead A Quiet Life
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. Mind your own business. Work with your hands. Let your daily life win the respect of others. -from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, 49 AD I can’t tell you what a relief it is to hear this admonition directly from scripture – make it your ambition … Continue reading Ambition To Lead A Quiet Life
Finding Joy in Motherhood: A Personal Journey
When Ethan and I first married, I remember sometimes I felt so happy that it triggered anxiety. I felt like I was in a movie, right at that part when everyone was enjoying themselves so much, but the music was subtly shifting and you just knew someone was about to die. I felt that way … Continue reading Finding Joy in Motherhood: A Personal Journey
The purpose of Imagination
I love Jules Verne (1828-1905). He's the guy who wrote 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Journey to the Center of the Earth and Around the World in 80 Days and From the Earth to the Moon. National Geographic actually compiled a list of eight things he wrote about that were later actualized, including the … Continue reading The purpose of Imagination
Reopening Our Cafe: A Community Space for Connection
Well, after being closed for the last two years, we found a new location and are open again! A local church bought and renovated this restaurant space into what it is now, and it is beautiful. We will run the cafe from 8-3 during the day, and after hours we will become a hangout spot … Continue reading Reopening Our Cafe: A Community Space for Connection
Just A Kid In God’s House
//Listening to Cool Kids, by Echosmith// I can’t tell you how many times I’ve weighed myself in the balance, only to find I was wanting. I’ve had the opportunity to be around so many amazingly talented people in my life - hilarious in their wit, proficient in their gift. I’ve been around singers, storytellers, and … Continue reading Just A Kid In God’s House
Mekeisha Smith, Writer 