When my brother signed up for the service in the midst of his senior year, I had mixed emotions of dread and annoyance. I was twenty years old and engulfed in my own selfish pursuits and couldn’t quite wrap my head around my little brother’s decision. Foreign affairs were growing tense at the time, though …
Author Archives: Blogging to Bless
What I Never Knew
I always called her “Mom,” but I never fully understood what that word embodied. I’ve wished her many a Happy Mother’s Day without the capacity to appreciate. She used to say, “I’m so tired, I could cry!” Or, “I’m dead on my feet.” Or, “I’ve spent all day in this kitchen!” I chalked it up …
The Voice Above the Noise
I’ve never been too daring when it comes to carnival or amusement park rides. The riskiest of my repertoire at the annual visit to the county fair was the Tilt-O-Whirl (a slightly more exciting version of the tea cups at Disney World). It was an older sibling that had convinced me I was able to …
It Is Good For Us To Be Here
“It is good for us to be here,” Peter had said to Jesus. Then he offered to pitch tents and stay. Now, before someone wants to gently tap me on the shoulder and remind me that this is Good Friday and not transfiguration Sunday, I will assure you that I am not confused with the …
A Seat Saved
Jesus knew His time was coming. He didn’t run from death. He walked right into the face of it when He rode into Jerusalem. He knew what He was doing; that He would be riling the Pharisees and Saducees just enough to send them over the edge. In facing death, He spoke boldly. He walked …
Hosanna!
They shouted, “Hosanna!” days before they would cry for his crucifixion. Do you ever wonder what on earth happened?! Hosanna means, “Save!” They thought he would save them. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and they called him “Son of David,” rightly seeing the fulfillment of prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. His would be the …
The Only Thing That Counts
Have you ever looked at someone you have known for a long time and it feels like you are looking at them for the first time? A familiar face when intimately studied, changes; especially one you have grown to love and “know.” Maybe it is because we take that face for granted when we see …
A Time to Dance
This post is long overdue. I suppose I have a good excuse. I’m looking at him right now- nestled in my arm, preventing full range of the keyboard to type this message. Matthew Jonathan Koudelka arrived two days “late” according to the medical world, but not a minute outside of his Master’s perfect timing. It’s …
Woes of a Wannabe Author
Most of you know that I have been working on my first novel for the past year. Though I have longed to be an author my entire life (I can prove it because I have plenty of elementary school “When I grow up” essays as evidence), I have never taken my writing as seriously as …
Gifts of Love Gone Unnoticed
This post was inspired by a book I am reading right now – One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. You should read it, especially if you enjoy this post. There are three things you should know about me before I officially begin this post: First- I used to love riding my bike. I could often …