restful productivity to live deliberately & avoid overwhelm 

What I Learned at the Beach House

What I Learned at the Beach House

The ocean is always been a bit of a mystery to me. Something that I watch on documentaries and that people talk about without my understanding. I am an Arizona desert native. I’ve lived in the Phoenix suburbs most of my life. I’ve never really enjoyed being in the water, getting sandy in unmentionable places,…

My Seasonal Reflection Practice

My Seasonal Reflection Practice

As Summer moves into Fall a practice that I have found grounding for me is seasonal reflection. The longer reflection is avoided, the harder it is to do. The more backlog we get, the more we have to work through. So I like to take the time at the change of each season to pause,…

Practical Ideas for Daily Bible Study

Practical Ideas for Daily Bible Study

I have found that it is very difficult to study the Bible and hear from My Creator without intentionally creating space for study and quiet. I have learned to slow down my body first and then I can slow my soul. But, I have made so many mistakes! I’ve steamrolled over so many situations, loved…

3 Ways We Say Goodbye to Summer Break

3 Ways We Say Goodbye to Summer Break

Moving from our Summer Break into the busy Back to School Season takes some time. I want to provide a slow gentle transition during this season. So often our culture expects us to switch modes without on-ramps into the busy activity. I want to do things differently. I want to take a slower approach letting…

Practical Tips for a Hard Season

Practical Tips for a Hard Season

Life is hard. Sometimes it just sucks. I’m sorry to be blunt but it’s true. I have had some hard seasons lately that have rocked me and stopped me in my tracks. But, I have learned beautiful things in the midst of hard circumstances too. Today I want to be extra practical for those of…

Navigating Friendship – the Key to Finding Connection

Navigating Friendship – the Key to Finding Connection

Okay, you did it. You got past the schedules, you found a place, and found some people. Awesome! You are headed toward a new goal of creating friendships. You showed up and talked with people. You made some connections. You have a few class members and acquaintances that you want to get to know better.…

Navigating Friendship – 4 Ideas for Where to Start

Navigating Friendship – 4 Ideas for Where to Start

We all long to be deeply understood and known. That is truly the heart cry of humans. It’s why kids spill out long stories and complicated details when they feel comfortable. It is why movies with deep friendships move us and cause us to feel something. Wouldn’t it be great to jump into a TV…

Teaching My Teen to Leave Gracefully

Teaching My Teen to Leave Gracefully

I am in the midst of teaching my teen how to navigate this world and deal with big decisions. The saying goes that you learn how to do things best when you teach them. I am finding this to be very true. Recently we have learned what it looks like to leave a commitment (and…