restful productivity to live deliberately & avoid overwhelm 

Autumn in the Arizona Desert

Autumn in the Arizona Desert

Even though it is mid October, today was over 105° F / 40° C. I really want to wear my sweaters that have been waiting in the back of my closet. The Arizona desert does not change drastically in the fall. It is a slow cooling down and not much visual change. Most of the…

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

In this busy season, it can be difficult to do all the things that we enjoy. All of the scheduled events, expectations from others, extra gatherings, gift buying (and wrapping)… it can all feel overwhelming. But, if we take the time to enjoy the traditions that we care about we can make memories and find…

Embracing the Fall Season

Embracing the Fall Season

This fall I am taking a break from writing and publishing. I am choosing to slow down. I will take more time to snuggle my kids close and enjoy handicrafts. I have an ambitious stack of books to read (with some new teas to try). I want to listen to more podcasts and audiobooks. I…

Making Room for the Fall Season

Making Room for the Fall Season

The Arizona desert does not change drastically in the fall. It is a slow cooling down and not much visual change. Most of the local trees stay a dusty green color throughout the year. There are very few trees that actually show the change of the seasons in my neighborhood. This means that I need…

My Seasonal Reflection Practice

My Seasonal Reflection Practice

As Summer moves into Fall a practice that I have found grounding for me is seasonal reflection. The longer reflection is avoided, the harder it is to do. The more backlog we get, the more we have to work through. So I like to take the time at the change of each season to pause,…

Practical Ideas for Daily Bible Study

Practical Ideas for Daily Bible Study

I have found that it is very difficult to study the Bible and hear from My Creator without intentionally creating space for study and quiet. I have learned to slow down my body first and then I can slow my soul. But, I have made so many mistakes! I’ve steamrolled over so many situations, loved…

3 Ways We Say Goodbye to Summer Break

3 Ways We Say Goodbye to Summer Break

Moving from our Summer Break into the busy Back to School Season takes some time. I want to provide a slow gentle transition during this season. So often our culture expects us to switch modes without on-ramps into the busy activity. I want to do things differently. I want to take a slower approach letting…

Enjoying Fall in the Arizona Desert

Enjoying Fall in the Arizona Desert

The Arizona desert does not change drastically in the fall. It is a slow cooling down and not much visual change. Most of the local trees stay a dusty green color throughout the year. There are very few trees that actually show the change of the seasons in my neighborhood. This means that I need…