Exactly ten years ago this month, I started a blog. I told exactly no one. Not even my husband. My first baby was six months old. I was working part-time, overwhelmed and tired. I craved connection and community. I wanted breadth of thought and depth of prayer. I couldn't find anything like what I wanted to read. So I decided to write it. I started writing quietly, typing one-handed in the dark, plodding out post after post that no one read. I didn't care; I loved it. My brain started spinning again. After a few weeks I did tell my beloved. After a few months I got brave and shared the blog with a handful of friends and family. I never expected it to amount to anything. Just a place for me to practice writing, to ponder spirituality and parenting, part of my transition from theological studies to new motherhood. Then a funny thing happened along the way. Writing turned into a calling that changed my life. . . . Readers will ask me now how to get started. … [Read more...] about ten years
blogging
looking back, looking forward
I have no shame in confessing: I love New Year's. It's a holiday that many love to hate, artificial or over-hyped. But I adore looking back and looking forward, pondering what was and planning for what might be. (I also love champagne, resolutions, countdowns, goofy party hats, and cheesy crowd songs at midnight. So this time of year is my JAM.) As part of my New Year's affection, I will read any top-10 round-up. Movies I didn't see, books I didn't read, sports I didn't follow? Who cares. I love a good best-of. So for my own amusement, I pulled together a review of the most-read posts on Mothering Spirit in 2019. But first: a preview of what's new for 2020 Big changes are on the horizon. A new baby due in March, and lots of shifting our lives around to make room for him. As our family grows, I've been deep in discernment. How can I keep making time for the writing I love while still caring for the family that also calls me? That's where you come in. In … [Read more...] about looking back, looking forward
the year in review (and what comes next)
Dusts off blog. Tap tap, is this thing on? What better way to round out a year of writing than to share a few favorites? I love a good listicle, and I bet you do, too. Even though other writing projects (like this book) took time away from blogging this year, I vow to frequent this place more regularly in 2018. I've got a few surprises up my sleeve that I can't wait to share. More importantly, I always love the rhythm of reflecting on life and grace and God in this space with you. The best readers of the Internet. So without further ado... Top 10 Posts from 2017 Prayers for Pregnancy - still the most popular read on Mothering Spirit. This year I launched two new e-books of Prayers for Pregnancy and Prayers for Birth that gather all these prayers plus lots of new content in a beautiful format for expectant moms. (Yes, you can buy as a gift for a baby shower, too!) The World Is Never Ready - My announcement of our pregnancy after loss. "What I tried to tell her was … [Read more...] about the year in review (and what comes next)
big news for a birth month!
Baby is almost here. We're waiting impatiently. The kids are clamoring every morning to know if today will be the big day. It's been a long journey through pregnancy after loss. But today I'm delighted to share with you a few new projects I've been working on behind the scenes. First, I'm finally launching the e-newsletter you asked for back in January when I surveyed Mothering Spirit readers! I've wanted to do this for a long time, but life got full (in the best way) with work and kids. But since this baby has decided to go full-term, I've had enough time to create what I hope will be a great addition to Mothering Spirit. The newsletter will feature different content from what's on the blog: ideas for how we celebrate liturgical seasons with our family easy tips for living out faith at home updates on my latest writing projects (plus special deals you won't find anywhere else) my favorite reads from around the Internet And as a thank you for subscribing, … [Read more...] about big news for a birth month!
