I started this blog in 2015. I’ve gone through periods of writing frequently and months where I’ve written nothing. This year, I’m trying to be more consistent with my blog, with the help of my daughter who is more tech and social media savvy than I am. So, in light of that, I thought it was time to reintroduce myself and to reintroduce this blog as well.
What is Bits of Being? A place where you might find a bit of beauty, a poem that speaks to your soul, encouragement in living a life of simplicity, a resonating thought from one middle-aged empty-nester to another, a new idea about a Bible passage, or even a rant about a current issue. It’s a place where I can explore my own thoughts about stopping the endless lists of do, do, do, and quietly learn how to be.
To help you know me a bit better, let me describe for you my perfect day. I would awaken early (because the bladder never fails to call) and on my way back from the bathroom, would glance out the window where I’d be delighted to see a white coating on the ground, the white outline of trees, and the gentle fall of snowflakes from a heavy winter sky. The house would reflect the quietness of the outside world as I put on my fuzzy socks, turn on the Christmas lights, turn on the gas fireplace, and curl up with a plush blanket on the couch. My one hand would be wrapped around my favorite blue mug of warm light-brown coffee, and my other hand would open up a George MacDonald novel to read. After a while, my husband would join me and we’d read our daily meditation from Richard Rohr, followed by a discussion of how to show God’s all-encompassing warmth to those who need it most and how to step away from harmful church culture that pushes people away instead of drawing them close to the One who loves them most. After this, we’d go for a brief walk in the snow. Back inside in the warmth, I would then open up my computer to daydream about our next vacation spot. I’d make a list of all the unique places we could visit on this yet-to-be realized road trip. Then my three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren would arrive and we’d sit down to a simple meal of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Some would go outside to sled in the backyard, and others would gather around the table for a competitive game of Rook. Things would quiet down again as families slowly left and the house was once again filled with only myself, my husband, and the individual with disabilities that we care for. We would spend some time with this person, singing some Disney songs or laughing at a favorite movie scene or helping him pop some popcorn. Then, we’d all snuggle into bed early for a good night’s sleep.
The one thing I didn’t include in my description above is writing. Writing is my hobby, and could also be included in a favorite day list. A lifelong goal of mine has been to write my husband’s life story, which I hope to begin this year. I just finished writing a small book of my parents’ life stories, as well as a Bible storybook for my grandchildren. It is a once-a-week Bible story illustrated with my own photographs, including corresponding activities divided by ages (2 to 5-year-olds and 6 to 10-year-olds). This first book is on the life and teachings of Jesus. I’m working on the second book now, which is also a year-long study, but this one will be on Old Testament stories and psalms. In these books, I hope to communicate the radical grace and all-inclusive love of God as shown in the person of Jesus, and to stay away from shame-based religion and dogmatism.
You can look at and buy the first completed book here:
Or on Amazon here:
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