My Friends,

I haven’t posted on my blog for over two years. In 2022 I gave Substack a whirl and it was the right platform for the right time. In fact, I could not have known what a comfort it would be to write only for my people (subscribers) in that season of life. I demonetized it as the end of 2023, and planned to write more on other projects. I cannot overstate how epically I have failed on this front. I either self-impose deadlines and structure, or I simply don’t write. So, I’ve been thinking about how to get myself back to writing more regularly. I enjoy the process of writing so much, and I invariably walk away with greater clarity, so it is selfish in its fulfillment as well. I am going to start writing here again twice a week (even if the posts are super short). On Tuesdays I’m going to do a series on the Psalms and then onThursdays I’m going to do a series on the Puritans. Psalms and Puritans may sound dry, but I’m excited to convince you otherwise!

As for today, Happy Friday. If you have followed my blog from years ago, you know that I did a series called Jackson Five Friday for about a decade. I used funny stories from my boys and life in general. I now have four giant volumes of my old posts — they are like Jackson family yearbooks. But the problem is my sons are all grown up — the youngest is a senior this year. They are still funny, but certainly don’t want me blogging about them, understandably. Will and I are not quite as entertaining, so Psalms and Puritans it is!

Of course everyday life always gives me ample experiences to write about. This morning I saw a woman putting caution tape around some trees.

“Baby coming,” she said. And I looked down. Yes, a baby agave plant was sprouting up next to the adult agave plant. She was taking precaution to protect this new little life from pedestrians who might cut the corner. Her loving concern for this baby plant has been on my mind all morning.

What a contrast to our world! I am praying today and in the days ahead that new human life, that all human life, will be cherished and protected. I am also praying for the protection of my own well-being. The evil of those who throw away every shred of caution tape can get me feeling down and defeated.

May we remember that God knit us together in our mothers’ wombs and in His own image. We are of infinite worth, as is the person who drives you most crazy. Plus, we know how this all ends.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more.’ Revelation 21:3-4a

With Love,

Kristie