This Week’s Theme: Sabbath
Here in this Velvet Ashes community, we know how important it is to rest. We know the value of feeding our souls, and we love the concept of Sabbath. Several years ago we decided to do more than talk about it, and we started an annual rhythm of taking an entire week off. That’s right, […]
Hooked on Change
A couple of weeks ago I was sitting next to my 10-year-old daughter on the couch. She was still wearing the pajamas she had worn the night before, even though it was already 4pm. She was reading her favorite book series and I was lazing on my computer. In the middle of that quiet moment […]
Put on Hold
Why is waiting so difficult? At times, it seems I’d rather gnaw off my own arm than wait–at least there would be something to DO. The action, even though extremely painful and harmful to myself, would somehow feel productive and gratify my deep need to be productive. “Strength will rise as we wait upon the […]
Admit It . . .
Ten months ago I felt a slight pain in my left shoulder. I ignored it as I figured with time it would eventually get better. It did improve over the summer, but this fall it started hurting. Again, I just ignored it, but after two months it was worse. Christmas season was in full swing, […]
I Am Not Superwoman
As I write this, my husband and I are in the process of moving to a new apartment. Our small living room is a maze of boxes and packing material. Chaos reigns in our home at the moment. All of our belongings spread all over the apartment make me feel completely and utterly out of […]
I’m Done with Self Care
Dog-tired and bone-weary, I slipped into Seat 33A. Loose ends tied up. Last minute details checked off. Hugs hugged. Home assignment begun. What kept me moving in the weeks prior was the hope of a few days in a quiet cabin in the woods. A little stream providing rhythm for birds’ melodies outside the window. […]
The Anatomy of Rest
I am a bit of an exercise enthusiast. I started out slow with Pilates and walking before moving on to running with light weight lifting; and now, my most recent switch, is to heavier weight lifting with more intense cardio. I love it. It is an amazing stress reliever and keeps my body and soul […]
We Have Never Had the Power
My Ugandan daughter’s birth mom named her Power. We loved it so much we kept it in her legal American name because well, it is her name and gosh, it suits her so well. My little girl is feisty. Like energy and passion and emotion to the nth degree. And while it makes me a […]
How Much Sacrifice is Too Much?
“Why are you running so hard?” the counselor asked us as we sat in his office a few years ago. My husband and I looked at each other, hoping the other would answer this question. We knew what the counselor saw, a life beyond full with ministry efforts, heaped on top of raising small children, […]
Announcing the 2016 Online Retreat!
You’ve been waiting for it. Our team has been hard at work getting it ready for you. Today we get to unveil what the Velvet Ashes Online Retreat has in store for you this year! Our Retreat Registration page is open now. Check it out and see all that will be offered to you for […]
Pleasant Boundary Lines {The Grove – Limits}
“Lord, You have assigned my portion and my cup. You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me …” Psalm 16:6-7 Frankly, I am grieved at my lack of honoring limits. When faced with […]
We’re Taking a Sabbath
Did your soul exhale a bit at the thought? Ours too. If you missed it last year, or just want to bathe afresh in these truths, our Sabbath week posts included: We saw that the Creator has woven Sabbath into the very rhythms of nature. Remember the tusk of the narwhal? If you have no idea […]