Gather & Grow

faith begins at home

The Beauty of Community

I love telling other women how one September day back in 2012 I put my big girl pants on and finally went to a faith-based "blogging" conference. I’d seen several promoted online but I was always afraid to go. Would they like me? Am I “big” enough? What if they don’t think I’m cool? What if I wear ... View Post

So What Do We Do With Common Core?

  I walked her in that first week of school half thrilled beyond words at the adventure she was embarking on, half scared out of my skin of leaving my 5 year old in the care of another all.day.long. She shared my mixture of emotions, I could see it on her face. Reluctantly she let go of the ... View Post

Is Your Fear Stealing Your Child’s Joy?

If it were up to me, my children would be permanently wrapped in bubble wrap when they leave the house. Head to toe. Protected from the world. Or, better yet, they’d wear helmets all the time and in every scenario. Extreme, I know. Fear, the kind that cripples me and keeps me from living my everyday ... View Post

Freedom from Entitlement: A July 4th Manifesto

Summer is such an interesting time to observe my habits. Maybe it's the lazy days and lack of structure but I feel like the worst of myself comes out between June and August. I'm having such a hard time getting into the zone of productivity, healthy living and focus. While I want to remain carefree ... View Post