The clock is ticking. — **Updated on November 27, 2022 at the end. I have one year left before my ex-husband gets out of prison. People told me to go back to school and get a degree, so when he's out, I'd be set. The unsolicited advice was given by people who have always worked…

It’s just, we’re not that special — I don’t feel like a writer today. Do people feel like their jobs, callings, whatever their work is? Do doctors ever feel like doctors? I think they do. At least the tv ones seem very confident. This isn’t even what I want to write about. My fingers won’t hit the…

How can this be? — Agh. Trauma changed me, and I know it. Before the bomb in 2016 hit our lives (sex crimes against my children disclosed, dragged out divorced, and single after 18 years of marriage), I was confident, outgoing, always willing to help everyone, and loved being a part of a church family. …

A deeper look into the life of Billie — I’ve deleted my opening paragraph three times already! I don’t know how to introduce this next piece of writing to you. I would have never been able to share if it wasn’t for a community of writers encouraging me to BE ME. I once felt like the woman in the…

My take on the hot topic of people pleasers. — People pleasing is a hot topic for those who have left the church. Were we taught to be helpers, servants, or people pleasers? I recently wrote an article about what I’m leaving behind this year. …

#1 is the easiest. #5 is going to take some work. — Do you crave a calmer life? How about a happier life? As you nod, yes, I have another question for you. It’s challenging and will require you to take an honest look at yourself. Are you willing to look at some bad habits that are getting in the way of…

How does a child feel loved when you treat her so? — I sit down at my desk to write. Staring at an opened laptop, mind map and outline sprawled in front of me, I’m struggling to focus. My mind flickers with images and words spoken just yesterday. Tears burn my already salt-stained cheeks as they fall from my eyes. She cries. …

I should have paid more attention to my children’s needs. — If you’ve struggled with depression, I don’t have to tell you the ups and downs that go with it. You can read plenty of articles on the symptoms or signs of depression. If it’s all the same to you, I’d instead like to jump right into my parenting mistakes. My…

Make these your superpowers! — Imagine your child’s friend shows up on your doorstep late at night. He’s upset, crying, and wanting to talk to anyone who will listen. He tells you that he’s scared to go home. He has nowhere to go, and it’s too cold to sleep in the park again. Again? What…