Chronic doesn’t blow anyone away, it starves you out, leaving you isolated and anemic.
Killing you softly. Casting you out. Making you desperate, irrational, and even willing to try something crazy …. Continue reading
faith
When You Ask First
Recently, I was at a retail store grabbing a few last-minute things for Christmas. I checked off my yellow post-it in record time and headed to the registers.
For the holidays, that particular store created “human corrals”. They cleverly funneled all shoppers into a chute leading up to the cashiers. Instinctively, I followed the herd and wound up wide-eyed and shuffling forward. (more…)
Guilty of Gusto
“I can’t help it. I just love them too much.”
It was the confession of a grandmother. Her daughter lives nearby with her husband and two small children. She was admitting she was an over-grandma. Over-caring, over-providing, over-serving…
Too much love?
Her tearful angst came at the end of our study of idolatry and traveled around our circle of women.
And when it came around to me, I felt the tension. I’m guilty of gusto, too. (more…)
GNO: Lilian Werner’s Favorite Things
I’m thankful to Karen for inviting me to do this. It’s always fun to share some favorite things! It’s especially fun as a reminder of good things when we have some days that contain some less favorite things!
I am a counselor in private practice in St. Louis and a member of Sutter Church. I am married to Brad, and we have three children, Inna, Ivan and Anya. I am also grandma to Anastasia, and we’re excited to welcome another granddaughter in January! I enjoy walking our dog in Tower Grove Park, spending time with family, and accruing library fines for books I intend to read but forget to return.
GNO: Linda Tackes’ Favorite Things
I wear so many hats! I am a wife to John for 23+ years. We met 25 years ago in the law school library at UMKC where we both went to school. We have 3 great kids: Joseph, Julia and Jacob. With two in college now, life is changing! I work as a pediatricians, am a political news junkie and love to try new coffee shops. I met Karen Brown years ago at Central Presbyterian ChurchCentral Presbyterian Church and we got to know each other better thru a Hidden Heart Ministry class. In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.
GNO: Denise Dolan’s Favorite Things
I was born in Perryville, MO and grew up in St. Louis. I’ve been married for thirty-five years to my best friend, and have been teaching music for thirty-four years. I’m Mom to three remarkable girls.
GNO: Debbie Doriani’s Favorite Things
I am Debbie Doriani, wife of Dan Doriani for 40 years and mother to 3 grown daughters. Since I am married to my favorite speaker who gives my favorite sermons, I will not choose that topic. By God’s gracious blessing, the favorite speaker has been able to take me on fabulous travels around the world to accompany him on his speaking trips, so that topic is out as well. Here are my favorites, although you should know there are way too many to enumerate and they overlap considerably. Continue reading
GNO: Jamie Afshari’s Favorite Things
I’m Jamie Afshari and still girlishly giggle when I say that because it’s a new- to- me last name as of September 2. My husband Jahan and I live in Tower Grove and love city living. I work at Central Presbyterian Church and love serving the women there. I was fortunate to get my Master of Divinity two years ago from Covenant seminary and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of plumbing the depths of God’s love. As a Chicago transplant I am thrilled to say that St Louis is right; Baseball is pretty great in October. Who knew? 😉 Continue reading
GNO: Cher Curtis’ Favorite Things
I am Cher Curtis, a daughter of the King, and a stay-at-home grandmother. A REALLY stay at home grandmother. In June I developed a serious knee infection that has required two surgeries – one more to come in February – and months of recuperation. My experience has changed me from a Martha to a Mary, from “doing” to “being,” from giving to receiving.
I have been blessed to be served by the faith community at CPC, friends and neighbors, and my amazing family. My precious husband Lee never complains about cooking, doing laundry or bringing me green tea in bed. My daughter Libby and granddaughters, Cate and Addie, my son Doug as well as son-in-law Todd and daughter-in-law Emily have organized, cleaned and loved me well as I have embraced the life of a couch potato! My disabled daughter Sarah still comes home for her weekly overnight, and has really bonded with her daddy who cares for her so tenderly. The experience of the past four months has definitely colored the selection of my favorite things!
GNO: Rosemary Oliver’s Favorite Things
Rosemary Oliver, plus Kate, Henry, and Lilly Oliver are enjoying the fun red Wrangler on this beautiful day that’s a gift from God. Rosemary loves to spend time with her grandchildren, plus their mom and dad. Especially doing school, sports, and church activities together. The other loves of her life are jail ministry, working with the women in an arts, and crafts class and sharing a Bible study.
Continue reading
GNO: Ruth Stith’s Favorite Things
I’ve been married to my best friend for 14 years, and we feel so fortunate to have a 8 year old daughter and 5 year-old twin boys. I love to make music and teach and exercise, avoid cooking at all costs, and dream about having the time to read. I strive to fully believe the words of Paul: “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Continue reading
GNO: Rebekah Coste’s Favorite Things
“Hi! I’m Rebekah Coste, formerly Sasse. I married my best friend Jean-Christophe, who has the kindest heart and some mean cooking skills, in May 2016. We currently live in Paris, France and I work as an English teacher. I enjoy keeping up with the violin, trying new recipes, exploring the city, improving my French, and being involved in community here. Thanks for reading!” Continue reading
GNO: Lisa Roth’s Favorite Things
Lisa is best friend and wife to Andy. They have 4 great kids. She works at Central Christian School as the Director of Development. In her free time, she tries hard to listen to God, stays up too late watching great shows with Andy, and enjoys cooking, crafting and camping with their crew.
GNO: Stephanie Nelson’s Favorite Things
Stephanie has finally embraced her inner Wizard of Oz and returned to Kansas in 2016 after almost 20 years of being apart. She is serving as the Pastor of Family Ministries at Alert Covenant Church, where she gets to teach kids of all ages, and they even let her stand behind a pulpit sometimes. Her greatest vices are Kate Spade bags, dark roast coffee, and nail polish. Continue reading
GNO: Marilyn Nixon’s Favorite Things
I’m a child of God who has been married to Thurman Nixon for 36 years (has it been that long?!) and three wonderful (varies from day to day but most of the time they are wonderful) children. God has been very good to me in all aspects and I want to please him in every way possible.
It’d be great to shed this humanness that I live with so that my pleasing him would be better (and I think easier!) :). My job at Central Presbyterian Church and the people I get to work with each day is a blessing beyond measure.
GNO: Melanie Braun’s Favorite Things
My name is Melanie Braun. I’m married to Marc and I’m the mom of 3 really fun guys named Nicolaus, Noah and Gabriel. I’m from Farmington MO but I’ve lived in St Louis since 1999. I’m one of those Jill’s-of-all-trades, but mistress of none kind of gals. I can fix my own flat, ride a motorcycle, or pull and back a trailer(Farmington, remember?) – but you’ll just as likely find me whipping up dinner or sewing a skirt. My degree is in theater but I haven’t been in a play or musical for ages. Maybe some day when the kids are older…
GNO: Christine Vandervoort’s Favorite Things
I have been married to James for 27 years. We have five children: Heather (20), Holly (17), Caroline (16), Jay (14), and Sophia (9). It is a very busy household, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. As well as being a wife and mom, I am the Director of Early Childhood and PEEPs at Central Presbyterian Church.
During the rare moments that I have free time, I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, baking (not cooking), and trying new things (as long as it doesn’t include small spaces or heights). This summer I started taking piano lessons. I love trying new restaurants, as well.
GNO: Susan Maynor’s Favorite Things
I am the mother of two tender young warriors (middle school and high school), wife to a scientist (high-school/college chemistry teacher), and a child of the gracious, living God. I love to produce visual stories, develop new ideas to transform the learning experience, and inspire creativity to make the world more beautiful. Continue reading
GNO: Julie Schloss’ Favorite Things
I am the wife of my best friend, mom of 4 school age kiddos, and driver of a messy minivan; I am a Jesus seeker, a reader, a runner, a spectator, and a friend. I am the owner of a restless heart. I love to travel and hang out at campfires. I drink a lot of coffee and love a good glass of wine.
GNO: Mary Elizabeth Blythe’s Favorite Things
I am married to Jeremy and mother to our four beautiful children. Life has been the backdrop upon which God has shown me Himself and myself. It’s been a rocky ride, but a sweet one.
I fear that I am out of deep pithy things to write about, but, as always, I’ll be honest and true to what’s on my mind. That’s your cue to exit if need be. 😉
GNO: April Johnson’s Favorite Things
I’m a Michigander by birth, and am still one at heart and in my pronunciation of certain vowel sounds, but for the past few years St. Louis has become a home for me thanks to some wonderful people, many of which I’ve met through my church/workplace, Central Presbyterian. That almost makes up for the humidity and lack of lakefront acreage. Almost.
I spend quite a bit of time laughing at my own jokes, being jealous of people with dogs, and wanting to hug my mom. If you ever want to talk about books, the brain, or an interesting podcast you listened to recently, I’m your girl. Continue reading
GNO: Susan Peck’s Favorite Things
My name is Susan Peck; I live in Maplewood, MO with my husband Mark, our 4 kids Avery (17), Jordan (16), Jeremy (14), and Samantha (11), and our 5-month-old Border Collie/Black Lab puppy, Loki. I’ve homeschooled our kids on a series of one-year contracts since Avery was little, but as they grow older, I can see my role shift from teaching to overseeing and managing their education. Our family attends Crossroads Presbyterian Fellowship in Maplewood where Mark is a Ruling Elder. I enjoy singing, reading, the Cardinals, Netflix, and of course chocolate.
GNO: Barb Boyle’s Favorite Things
When I was a little girl, this is what I said to the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” A TEACHER!! I always said. I set out on my quest as I was the teacher of the neighborhood “school” in our basement, of my little brother born nine years after me, a teacher’s aide while in high school, a day camp director, camp counselor, middle school teacher and coach, preschool teacher at PEEPS, Sunday school teacher, and a college campus ministry staff person.
I continue to love teaching as I have homeschooled our three children: Bethany (22), Brendan (20), and Bridget (16). I have been married to (Charles) Bryon Boyle the past 26 years. Bryon and I met on the Central singles’ softball team. It has been quite the adventure as we set out raising our children with lots of camping, canoeing, swimming, books, movies, ice cream, and pizza.
And here are some of my favorite things!!
GNO: Amalia LaViolette’s Favorite Things
Amalia LaViolette is a singer and small business owner. She books gigs for her many groups: Caroling St. Louis, Connie & Amalia, The Jeweltones, and Terminally Hip. She is also a Weight Watchers leader and the mom of 2 children and a greyhound, and the wife of Richard.
GNO: Lynn D. Morrissey’s Favorite Things
Lynn D. Morrissey is author of Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy through Written Prayer and other books, contributor to numerous bestsellers, and is a professional journal facilitator (CJF) for her ministry Sacred Journaling, speaker, and soloist. She’s passionate about encouraging transparency in women through reflective journaling.
Lynn lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband Michael and grown daughter Sheridan. You can contact Lynn via email or on her Facebook Page. Continue reading
GNO: Lisa Dobrich’s Favorite Things
I’m a retired homeschool veteran, a single mom and business owner who moved 2,000 miles back home to the Seattle area recently to begin the next chapter of my life.
My passion is working with Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County to bring awareness through speaking at schools and women’s conferences in the area.
I am also in the leadership team for my churches chapter of Celebrate Recovery as we help those with hurts, hang-ups or habits. Continue reading
GNO: Cathy Barnes’ Favorite Things
I am a wife, mother, and a daughter of the King. God has blessed me with a rich and varied life. I have been a dancer, police officer and art teacher, and have participated in everything from beauty pageants to search warrants.
I have been married to my hero, Jeff, for 26 years. We’ve raised two wonderful adults, Allie (27) and Charlie (24), and are enjoying the incredible bond that comes from weathering years of experiences together…. good times, and bad—joys and sorrow. I am blessed to be working with children every day teaching them about art, and the Ultimate Artist—God. I love drawing, painting, reading, …and picking up a gun for some target practice now and then. Continue reading
GNO: Elizabeth Anderson’s Favorite Things
My name is Elizabeth Anderson. I am the proud mother of two incredible sons, Tom and Sam, and we have a lovely Labradoodle named Regan. We live in Brentwood, and have some of the most amazing friends. I love reading, hiking, and being in wide-open spaces and wilderness areas.
I earned two degrees in natural resources management and fire ecology. I spent 15 years fighting fires and lighting prescribed burns for the US Forest Service and National Park Service. I am currently the Chief Operating Officer of Wildland Fire Associates, a company I helped found in 2001.
Recently, I pressed “Publish” for the first time on my brand new blog, “Out of the Desert“. Hope to see you there!
When I started to think about my favorite things, I realized that they have three things in common. The first is that I love to travel to beautiful places, and these places have become the spaces that I mentally return to when I need to relax and breathe. The second thing that they have in common is that some of my favorite people were often present with me. And as you will see, military history appears to be an unexpected third common thread… Continue reading
GNO: Molly Snyder’s Favorite Things
I’m married to my best friend, Todd, and am Mom to two great kids, Keegan and Clara. I live in St. Louis, work part-time at Central Presbyterian Church, and spend my free-time running, baking, and learning how to send an allergic kid to school. All while loving Jesus. 🙂 Continue reading
GNO: Paula Robinson’s Favorite Things
I am a working mom of 3 kids, and have been married to Shawn for 17 years. I am a native St. Louisan but my heart lives in Montreal – or Arizona – or Bora Bora. Let’s just say I love to travel.
First, I’d like to say that it’s an honor to read everyone’s favorite things. You can tell a lot about a person that you may have never know before with these posts. Thank you, Karen, for creating an avenue for so many phenomenal women to share their insight, encourage one another, make us think, make us laugh – have a girls’ night out! Continue reading
GNO: Jane Ellen Mark’s Favorite Things
I’m a happy wife, mom of four lovely adult/married daughters, and “Nana” (pronounced to rhyme with “Papa,” not “banana”) to nine fabulous grands, with whom I love to hang out one-on-one. I am unemployed (my husband, Bob, calls it “long-term maternity leave with benefits”), but most days I wish I had a clone to get everything done. Which it never is. In “discretionary” time I love to read and knit. Continue reading
GNO: Christan Perona’s Favorite Things
Christan Perona is the Director of Communications at Central Christian School, a racially and socio-economically diverse Blue-Ribbon school in St. Louis. She is involved in the racial reconciliation and diversity efforts of Greentree Community Church and speaks to various group within and beyond her church about the redemption of the Gospel of Christ. Christan (sporadically) writes about practical theology when the inspiration hits and time allows (christanperona.com). She and her husband, JD, have two children.
It’s not something I do often — think about my favorite things. I have a hard time identifying what my true favorites are in most areas because there’s so much I love. So much I crave. I used to think it was an affection for change, but I’m pretty sure I’ve discovered the truth — it’s a restless heart. One thing I’m looking forward to about eternity with Jesus is for my strivings to cease. Can any of you relate?
I love beauty. I’m not referencing the super narrow, ever-changing definition of beauty that’s been offered to us in the 21st century. You know, those definitions that tempt us all to “stand out” by being the same, by following the guide of what’s “in style” for our clothes and make-up and homes and cars… you get the picture. You can’t escape it.
I’m talking about beauty that calls to the deepest parts of our soul when we see it (or hear or feel or taste it). There’s a feeling that reminds us we were made for more that’s incredibly hard to describe. And while it leaves us longing for Heaven, this feeling whispers that our Father sees us, and knows us, and wants us to experience beauty here in this world, too. What a gift. Which leads us to my favorite song.
Continue reading
GNO: Jenny Smith’s Favorite Things
I randomly decided to move back to Saint Louis a few years ago after college, and I feel pretty confident about that decision considering it lead me to marry my high school sweetheart (Taylor) and also to me working at Central Presbyterian Church. Since college, I’ve somehow acquired four animals (dogs: Mustard & Dill, cats: Poe & Turnip). I enjoy (most) change and like to make things look nice. Which is probably why I paint my front door, on average, twice a year. I’m excited to see where God takes my little Noah’s ark-esque family, and I’m sure the two things that will never change are my love of popcorn and the amount of fur on my clothes. Continue reading
GNO: Linda Gurney’s Favorite Things
I’m a freelance musician (piano, clarinet). I have been widowed ten years, have three grown children (two are married) and am a new grandmother of 3-month-old Adelaide! I love old movies, playing tennis and pickleball, and have survived breast cancer for two years. I love the women of Central Presbyterian Church and am honored to participate in Karen Brown’s “Girls’ Night Out”!
This is a wonderful topic, to write about things that we love. That is to say, some of God’s sweetest gifts in our lives! Continue reading
Living Liturgy
A few weeks ago, my oldest son was playing guitar in our basement. The music was loud and he didn’t see me coming, so I stood and listened for a while. It was a piece I’ve never heard him play, but I instantly recognized his soulful heart behind it. Continue reading
The Leveling Place
It’s flattering when someone asks you for advice.
It’s terrifying when you remember that you have none.
Not long ago, a friend invited me to coffee so I could share any wisdom I might have about teen anxiety and depression. It was a reasonable request, for she knows I have lived that roller coaster. I’ve also read books and tried strategies. “Surely, I can offer some help,” I thought.
So, as my friend’s question floated across the tops of our steamy mugs, “What do you think we should do about our son?”, we both expected more than what came out of my mouth… Continue reading
Reaching for More
A new determination faithfully arrives every year, sometime between Christmas and January 1. Just when the clutter starts to get to me and the chaotic schedule grinds on my nerves.
I’ve got a system and prefer to do it alone: pitching, rearranging, and packing away. The physical work feels good after too many family movies and long meals. The solitude feels even better.
But this year, my work became symbolic of a bigger mess… Continue reading
Thelma’s Christmas Carol
Every Christmas, my family loves to retell the story of a gift that I gave my aunt a few years back. “Tell it again,” the kids say, and we start from the beginning and end up laughing so hard we cry. Continue reading
Girls’ Night Out Story #31: Elizabeth Anderson
In 1985 I was junior at University of Arizona majoring in General Studies – the major for students who have no idea what they want to do. I went to U of A to swim on their synchronized swimming team. We won the 1984 Collegiate National Championship, and then the team was cut due to lack of funding. Harsh reality of college sports, but a good thing for me. Continue reading
Girls’ Night Out Story #30: Jane Ellen Mark
My story is not deep or poignant or profound—but, like all our stories, evidence of God’s loving providence. It’s a fun story, one with a happy ending. It’s about how my husband Bob and I finally got together for life—our “courtship” and engagement. Continue reading
Stooping For Manna 