uptomytoes

Category: Love

  • Life on the Stump

    There once was a glorious old oak tree that, for years, we affectionately called “Grandpa’s Tree”. It stood on a bit of a hill overlooking the river. In its prime, this mighty oak provided peaceful shade and a quiet place to read a great mystery, ponder life and love, and offer heartfelt prayers to God. …

  • Be The Hero

    When I taught AP Literature, we studied literary heroes, read epic poems, and discussed heroic and not-so-heroic characters. I was talking with a friend, and the subject of heroes came up. I shared that I sure wish God would bring a hero who could step into my wonky world and fill in some of the…

  • Not Exactly What I Was Looking For

    One morning recently, my oldest daughter and I were having our weekend morning coffee together time. We talk, share, and lament the lack of sleep one or both of us had the previous night. This particular morning we decided to get on the ferry and head to a beach where you can find shark teeth.…

  • When You Lose It

    Over the years I’ve lost a lot of things…the biggest being my marriage and the second is probably sleep. But there have been a few other things lost along the way…I’ve lost my mind a time or two, lost my appetite (could stand to do that a bit more), lost my courage, lost an argument,…

  • Where else would I go?

    I have written a lot lately about being loved. It’s a place I haven’t felt God leading me to leave yet. I’m on this journey to have my hope restored, my broken heart repaired, and to learn to trust again. Without the love of Jesus, I do not believe it would be possible. Even with…

  • Modeling Lovable

  • A Little Message

    A few days ago, my youngest daughter had to use my writing desk for a test. Right in front of my desk, a window looks out on the road. The light comes through sheer lace curtains in the most beautiful way, particularly at sunset. I absolutely love it. I was a little worried she would…

  • The Dearest of Words

    Sun has set. Moon has arrived. Slowing down. Climbing under blankets, pillows plumped and primed. Soft knock and that dearest of words, “Mama?” “Yes Love?” “Talk?” “Sure” Reshuffling pillows up. Rubbing eyes open. Patting blankets. Climbing up. “Mama, what do I do?” Oh, how I wish I had the answers. Father, what do I do?…

  • Audacious Love

    My phone was dinging with texts the other night from one of my dear ones who was dealing with some disappointment. I was writing essay-like texts to encourage and love on my sweet child.  At one point, I texted “Life isn’t about what we get to have or do or even who we get to…

  • Redeemed, Restored, Resting

    I grabbed a whole row because my sweethearts were coming in behind me. I laid down my jacket, my purse, my Bible, my journal, and a few bulletins throughout the row to make sure I had enough seats. As they all filed in, I felt my smile grow bigger and bigger. These beautiful young people…