In Remembrance of Memorial Day
(A short poem for you on Memorial Day...) A time to ponder, a time to rest. A time to wonder, a time to cast. A time to experience the burdens past. A time to embrace the flag on mast. We need remember those warriors who fought, To declare freedom on soils bought,...
Extending Grace in the Sticky and Messy of Friendships
*Smik. *Smack. I lift my magazine off the island counter leaving paper trails behind. The inevitable sounds by sticky residue left by the syrupy mess post breakfast with three toddlers always puts a cringe to my senses. *Crack. *Crunch. The den is another nightmare...
God-centered Noise By God’s Invitation: {Whole Magazine Guest Post}
“When I allow God-driven activities in my life, accepting those big and small invitations by God, I’m fully satisfied and fueled with exhilarated energy as I experience God in a deeper way. ” - Rachel Swanson *** Scrolling through Instagram, I’m suddenly aware of...
Struggles with Anxiety and Depression
It's national anxiety and depression week. So of course, I had to share a quick blurb. As someone who has struggled with both depression and anxiety, I am fully aware of the detrimental effects this illness can have. I am also aware of how it has refined me as a...
It’s My Birthday!
It’s my birthday! Yes, I’m turning the ripe ole’ age of 33 and couldn’t be more proud of it. But guess what else? It’s also the 1st birthday of Refine & Restore! YAY!! (Noise makers anyone??) With a head cold and cough making me regurgitate things you...
The Unexpected Invite
I’m picking up my kids from preschool last week, and a teacher hollers at me “don’t forget your invite!” as I was already making my way back to the car tripping over toddlers scampering around me. She runs over to me and gives me this glowing vase filled with...
Are You "Keeping Up With The Joneses" This Easter?: Whole Magazine Post!
“Learn graceful ways of saying no and of pointing out that this pressure to do something is not in line with most people’s wishes.”— Judith Martin I’m walking through the grocery store and the air of Easter inundates my senses. Baskets with bows and...
Leave the "Madness" Behind: Becomingme.tv Guest Post!
So sorry for those of you seeing this post late (or for a 2nd time) but I've been having some major glitches on the technical side of things with my site. But, I THINK I've have the main issues resolved now and things should be running smoother again from here on...