I have never been especially great at trying to define myself, but for the purpose of this page, I will give it my best shot!
I am a wife and mom. I have been married for almost thirty years and have four amazing, adult kids (three boys, and a girl); one is married; one engaged and out of the house; two still live with us. When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be a wife and mom, and by the time I was twenty-four years old, I was able to check off both of those boxes. Though I earned a degree in elementary education, I stayed home with my kids during most of their early years and homeschooled them for part of that time. I loved the solidarity my kids and I experienced during those years, and yet I appreciated the experience they got once they entered public school. I also enjoyed the freedom our family had to travel and spend time together during those years. You can look forward to hearing more about our family experiences here.
I am also a pastor. My husband and I c0-pastor a small church in our town, where I have also overseen our youth ministry. I enjoy wrapping my mind around theological concepts, and I am learning to appreciate the notion that trying to understand God and His ways often yields way more questions than answers. One of my greatest passions in ministry has been to help people experience the healing of wounds from their pasts and begin to experience more life in their present moments. My experience in this area has been the most significant contributor in growing my own faith.
I can also say I walk through life as an artist. Though I don’t have the talent in the fine arts to produce many masterpieces, but I see the world, both the beauty and the terror through all of my senses, and I love to create in many different ways. I sometimes write poetry, and I like to paint and crochet sometimes. When the weather is nice, I like to garden and tend to the small ponds in my yard. Creating new spaces to see beauty and nature in my yard is a way I do art. When it is too cold to create spaces outside, I will find a room in my house to redecorate. Even cooking is like art to me.
Another way I identify is as a learner. I love researching and learning new things! Discovery is another kind of adventure for me! I will usually include learning in other multi-task activities. Even when I binge-watch detective or medical drama series, learning is part of my criteria for entertainment. Learning adds both to knowledge and perspective and provides more angles through which to navigate my life. I am glad to have this space to share big and small things I have learned.
Finally, I identify as a friend. Though my circle has always been very small, those with whom I have shared intimate friendships have been invaluable to providing the solidarity and “iron sharpening iron”-ness that have both made me a better me and have added to the richness of my life. Friendship is a big part of my relationship with my husband and kids (and daughter-in law and daughter-in law to be), and I have been deeply impacted by some of the other people, who have breached my small island over the years and whom I have had the honor of calling friends.
I feel like my purpose in life is to make the world a better place. Having friends in this endeavor, which isn’t always easy, broadens my experience of both the goals and the sometimes lengthy processes undertaken, in order to achieve the goals, set by this purpose. I love hearing their perspective of shared experiences, and I want to hear their input, when making plans. I love discovering new things with others, and I sometimes need others who are strong enough to push back against the waves of my intensity, with either laughter or encouragement, new ways of thinking about things, and the occasional rebuke.
Whereas my personality is intense and driven, my heart is very soft and open. I have learned so much about friendship and how to engage in healthy relationships over the years, including how to love well with good boundaries. I am happy to share stories, thoughts and advice here.
Our extended family includes two dogs, two cats, and several freshwater fish and shrimp.
I read a lot of psychology books, theology books, social justice books, and occasionally a novel. I am also a certified teacher, so I’m signed up to substituted teach at the high school level. I like to watch birds, squirrels, and all the other nature that is my back yard and ponds, and even on vacations, prioritize ways to experience nature. I really enjoy sitting around and visiting with others, when the opportunity arises. I will do projects or activities, but I don’t care to be busy; so whereas I am listing interests and duties, please don’t think I am doing all of these things at once. I am far from being an overachiever.
I’m sure you will get to know me more, as this blog-adventure continues to unfold. Mostly I want you to know that you can relax and feel welcomed and accepted in this space, as you read the things I post. Maybe in some ways you may also be inspired, or learn, or grow or find comfort through what I share, which flows from who I am.