When you wonder what’s holding you back from making a difference in the world

by Lisa-Jo | Jul 7, 2011 | Callings, Faith, South Africa, Travel

My nearly six-year-old has felt the strong tug of his South African roots these last three years. If my heart is buried beneath the purple bower of a Jacaranda tree in Pretoria, his must be blooming in the back yard of my father’s house where he first crawled, walked,...

A boy and his dreams

by Lisa-Jo | Jul 4, 2011 | Callings, Faith, Family, Kids, South Africa, Travel

He’s wearing his red pajamas with the puppy print and chasing the dog from room to room as determinedly as the dog chases her own tail. As if by the sheer volume of his voice and desperate pitch of his pleading she will condescend to sit next to him for more than five...

Be careful what you tell yourself; you might believe it

by Lisa-Jo | Jun 22, 2011 | Callings, Faith

I’m as small as my house. I’m as dead end as my job. I’m as messy as my playroom. I’m as dirty as my dishes. I’m as behind as my mail. I’m as worthless as my vacuum cleaner. I’m as unattractive as my back yard. I’m as...

Bare feet in church

by Lisa-Jo | Jun 6, 2011 | Callings, Faith

If you’re visiting from my friend the Nester’s place this morning – welcome! So glad you stopped by. Consider the welcome mat out in your honor and the lemonade freshly poured. We’re getting a little introspective this morning, but won’t...

You are more than your swim suit

by Lisa-Jo | May 31, 2011 | Callings, Motherhood, Sweetstuff

My boys officially smell of summer. And to me summer smells like sunscreen. The ritual has begun – the spraying and lathering and rubbing into scalps of sweet smelling SPF 50  on blond hair and pale white bodies. {Sorry, boys, you may have got my blue eyes, but...

How to pray without using words {motherhood edition}

by Lisa-Jo | May 30, 2011 | Callings, Daughters, Faith, Motherhood

I hold you, my darling daughter, in the dark. I can hear your breathing, blindly seeking me out, mouth open and expectant. I am all instinct and no real thought aside from a desire for sleep and the knowing that the way back to bed lies through this 2am feeding. This...