Palm Sunday: It doesn’t feel right…

Nothing feels right… I’ve been thinking about what I’d be doing on this day during Holy week and throughout the week the last few years…this year doesn’t feel right.

If it was last year, I’d be leading the children in a processional around the sanctuary, waving palm branches while the congregation sang “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” we’d end at the front of the sanctuary for the children’s message followed by choir rehearsal for the Living Last Supper service on Thursday. Those things won’t happen this year. It doesn’t feel right.

This year I anticipated playing my flute with the flute choir this morning and preparing to spend a lot of time at church as we await the celebration on Easter. It doesn’t feel right.

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” – Luke 19:28-44

It probably didn’t feel right to the disciples who went to untie the colt to bring to Jesus or the people the colt belonged to. (vs. 33-34)

I probably didn’t feel right to the Pharisees that people were praising Jesus in the way they did as Jesus rode into town. (vs. 39)

It didn’t feel right to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem (vs. 41-44)

It probably didn’t feel right and it wasn’t what people expected, but it was right. Jesus was to enter Jerusalem on a donkey. He was to speak truth. He was to die. And he was to rise again. That’s what he did and it was right, but it didn’t feel right.

When Jesus says, “If you, even you had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes…”

I’m going to guess it didn’t feel right, any of it. Jesus was a king yet looked like a servant. It wasn’t right because sin was (and is) part of the story. Yet, it was exactly how it was supposed to be.

This year doesn’t feel right as we head into holy week without palm branches waving, processionals, or gatherings at church. No Maundy Thursday communion, no jumping as the Bible is slammed shut on Good Friday as the tomb closed, and no music rehearsals. Anticipating Easter feels strange thinking of being alone at a time when there are typically trumpets blaring, big meals with loved ones, and much tribulation to celebrate the risen King.

But that doesn’t mean that it is wrong. It’s okay to feel sad and confused. I’m sure the disciples did too.

It’s okay, because we know the ending and the ending is good…Jesus rose. We still get to celebrate that.

Today, it doesn’t feel right and it’s strange to think of celebration this week, but the ending is still the same…Jesus still wins.

Live like a Lymie…

When the pandemic started to spread, one of the first memes I saw said something along the lines of “If it was tick season, we’d have corona with Lyme.”

I had many thoughts about this meme (and had to bite my tongue a little) but it put a couple of things together for me in an unexpected way. What people are experiencing with Corona are many of the same emotions, thoughts, and things I’ve experienced with Lyme. So here is a short series of what “Corona with Lyme” means to me.

When you have a chronic illness and are immuno-compromised, you learn a few tricks to avoid germs while also still living life. Here’s what I’ve realized during this pandemic that I just do since Lyme. (Some may be familiar…)

Grocery Shopping or Public Encounters

• When I’m out in public, my hands immediately go inside my pockets (if I’m wearing clothing that allows it) or are folded in front of me. This keeps me from touching things unnecessarily where germs may be lerking.
• I keep my distance, especially if I perceive someone to be ill.
• Wipe down handles or anything others may touch for a long time.
• Look before you touch. I try not to touch multiple items, but only what I plan to take or buy, limiting exposure.
• Once home, wash hands and put groceries away immediately. Then wash your hands again. (If it’s a washable item, I try to wash it immediately too.)

Mentally and Emotionally

• Know your Safe People… We are relational people and need people in our lives. At any given time I can probably tell you who my “safe people” are. This goes for people who it’s safe to share things with mentally and emotionally, but also people I feel safe being around or closer to physically. There are days we need a hug or a hand of comfort, I know who I’m willing to let touch me and will seek out if I need those things. (It might be helpful to share this with them, because you may not be a “safe person” for them.) It is also helpful to have multiple people in each category and helps if they’re people who are going to have similar public exposure as you.
• Find an Outlet… For me, this is writing (journaling, blogging, etc…) but there are times I simply need to talk it out too.

Personal Hygiene

• Wash hands first thing when coming home… If I’ve been out, even just to the mailbox, I try to wash my hands immediately after walking in the door. This limits exposure.
• Wash hand and dish towels weekly or more if the threat is highly contagious or someone outside your safe people have used them.
• Keep hand and dish towel separate. Limits what your dishes might be exposed to; wash dish towels after significant uses.
• Disinfect highly touch objects regularly. This means your phone, computer, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, etc… It can also help to think about what items you might touch in your home and not think to wash your hands after you’ve touched and before eating.
• Build your immune system… this means eating healthy foods and taking vitamins on a regular basis.
• Sleep well… as much as possible, get good sleep. Our bodies heal and fight while we sleep. This is important.

Remember, these are things I’ve learned while fighting Lyme with a compromised immune system. I don’t always do them all perfectly, but when I do remember, I try to do them. What do you do that helps you avoid germs and limit exposure, beyond the social distancing.

It really just boils down to making good decisions and try to live a very healthy life.

This. Is. Hard…

When the pandemic started to spread, one of the first memes I saw said something along the lines of “If it was tick season, we’d have corona with Lyme.”

I had many thoughts about this meme (and had to bite my tongue a little) but it put a couple of things together for me in an unexpected way. What people are experiencing with Corona are many of the same emotions, thoughts, and feelings I’ve experienced with Lyme. So here is a short series of what “Corona with Lyme” means to me.

(Written March 23rd, 2020)

Today has been hard.

The thought of being isolated by myself is bringing me to tears and near panic tonight.

I’ve done years of emotional isolation brought on by Lyme. (As much as I share, there are certain things no one will understand.) The thought of physical isolation, even just for two weeks, is a very hard thought.

In my mind, it means locking doors and settling in for the long haul. And while I know that is the extreme…that I can still spend time outside, work with others (outside) while keeping a six foot distance, and connecting in other ways…I’m having a hard time convincing my brain that this isn’t complete isolation. (I’d never survive solitary confinement.)

In some strange way, it’s like telling me I have to experience Lyme all over again. And I’m hitting the grief hard. The implications of coronavirus are out of my control, much like Lyme was, and I just don’t want to go through the experience of this again. Not only am I grieving the loss of physical connection and working on the office with others and many other things dictated by coronavirus, I’m also grieving the freedom I have been working for the past 7 years to find again.

There’s weight in that last sentence I’m not quite sure how yet to convey. And I’m angry about this one.

There are many emotions hitting all at once and I’m not sure how to handle them…other than to shed tears, ask for prayer, yell at God (because He will understand it and hold me in it), and write this blog post.

This is hard, people.

This. Is. Hard…

Today has been hard.

The thought of being isolated by myself is bringing me to tears and near panic tonight.

I’ve done years of emotional isolation brought on by Lyme. (As much as I share, there are certain things no one will understand.) The thought of physical isolation, even just for two weeks, is a very hard thought.

In my mind, it means locking doors and settling in for the long haul. And while I know that is the extreme…that I can still spend time outside, work with others (outside) while keeping a six foot distance, and connecting in other ways…I’m having a hard time convincing my brain that this isn’t complete isolation. (I’d never survive solitary confinement.)

In some strange way, it’s like telling me I have to experience Lyme all over again. And I’m hitting the grief hard. The implications of coronavirus are out of my control, much like Lyme was, and I just don’t want to go through the experience of this again. Not only am I grieving the loss of physical connection and working on the office with others and many other things dictated by coronavirus, I’m also grieving the freedom I have been working for the past 7 years to find again.

There’s weight in that last sentence I’m not quite sure how yet to convey. And I’m angry about this one.

There are many emotions hitting all at once and I’m not sure how to handle them…other than to shed tears, ask for prayer, yell at God (because He will understand it and hold me in it), and write this blog post.

This is hard, people.

Ways to Survive Isolation…

When the pandemic started to spread, one of the first memes I saw said something along the lines of “If it was tick season, we’d have corona with Lyme.”

I had many thoughts about this meme (and had to bite my tongue a little) but it put a couple of things together for me in an unexpected way. What people are experiencing with Corona are many of the same emotions, thoughts, and things I’ve experienced with Lyme. So here is a short series of what “Corona with Lyme” means to me.

With Lyme, I spent a lot of time insolation or at home with my family. Here are few things I learned during that time to break up the monotony and to not go completely crazy!

• Learn something new…I went back to my French books from high school and started relearning the language.
• Take up a new hobby…I learned to quilt and expanded my sewing skills, among other things.
• Do something you enjoy…maybe it’s scrapbooking, cooking, writing, reading, model trains, building, etc… Do something that brings you joy!
• Build in “Nothing Days”… Grief is hard and loss means we need space to grieve. There are days you will feel like doing absolutely nothing…and that IS okay. We need the space and mentally knowing to give yourself that space on those days may help.
• Seek out the Sunshine… When there’s sunshine, soak it in! Not only is it helpful for the vitamin D, it just makes a day better. Go outside, sit on your porch/deck, move a chair or couch to soak it up inside, or take a catnap in it when the rays hit your floor!
• Find nature… One of the best memories I have of this was going to a greenhouse with my mom after a month of clouds, just to see the plants. While a greenhouse might be out, move your plants into one room in your house and make your own or go on a hike outside or open a window and let spring smells in. (Remember, nature isn’t closed…even if it is 30 degrees out!)
• Stay active… yoga, walking, youtube workout, laps in your living room, etc… Movement is good for the soul.
• Emote… Let the feelings out…write, cry, laugh, sing…however you do it, feel your feelings!
• Meet with Jesus… for me this means intentionally meeting Jesus ever day…and this can be hard, especially when the anger or depression hits. But He is bigger than this and He’s ready to connect, even in the isolation. Be it one minute or multiple hours, both are good. (And this could mean you meet with him in a new way…through nature, while doing a puzzle, writing a blog post, etc…)
• Connect… find ways to connect with others. Share and listen…both help us know we are not alone.
• And so many more!!

This will pass. It’s changing our day to day routines now, but it will pass and we will get through it. Finding ways to take advantage of this time can also help. It momentarily distracts from the worry or fear and fills in new ways. I’ve seen many other creative things to do from people all over social media and I appreciate it so much.

Let me know what you’re doing to use this time instead of sit in fear or just read every news report…because that will make us crazy!

Isolation Emotions…

When the pandemic started to spread, one of the first memes I saw said something along the lines of “If it was tick season, we’d have corona with Lyme.”

I had many thoughts about this meme (and had to bite my tongue a little) but it put a couple of things together for me in an unexpected way. What people are experiencing with Corona are many of the same emotions, thoughts, and feelings I’ve experienced with Lyme. So here is a short series of what “Corona with Lyme” means to me.

(Written March 22nd, 2020)

Today the emotions of isolation have hit me. There is something deep in me that just doesn’t want to be alone.

As an introvert, it’s a little strange. I’m very comfortable being alone. The quiet is typically a friend I seek after long days. Once a week, I love a house all to myself where I don’t have to follow a schedule or meet anyone’s expectations, I’m simply able to just be me and do whatever I want to do what is going to recharge me for the week ahead.

This weekend, that isn’t the case. The house feels empty, deafeningly quiet. And while phone calls or texts are great, they don’t even seem to meet the need deep inside me. I crave presence and people and life around me…to fill up the space.

Being single and living where I work, it has been an unique experience. I don’t see many people on a daily basis and this social distancing hasn’t changed a whole lot. Our staff live on site and are like family in that case, where whatever germs are around we shared long before this started. We have still been able to see each other with some modification to those interactions.

If I lived anywhere else I would most likely be by myself all of the time during this. (And for those of you doing that, I’m thinking of you!) I haven’t been alone for a whole day since this started, and I’m honestly thankful for that gift!

As I think through my days of isolation with Lyme, that’s also something that was true. I lived at home, so I was rarely alone for 24 hours. Although I limited who I had interactions with, at times. But I felt emotionally isolated then too, because no one fully could understand what was going on inside my body or the emotions I was feeling.

One gift with this current situation, is that we are going through this together, emotionally. We are going to feel similar emotions and we can meet each other there. And the times we can’t, Jesus does.

We will see what the days ahead bring. I have a feeling it’s going to mean many more emotions and new things experienced. Take comfort in knowing that while isolated physically, emotionally we can find connection. Share your emotions and thoughts about what’s going on with someone today, not just what the news is saying but where you are really at and care for each other in those things.

Season of Surrender…

When the pandemic started to spread, one of the first memes I saw said something along the lines of “If it was tick season, we’d have corona with Lyme.”

I had many thoughts about this meme (and had to bite my tongue a little) but it put a couple of things together for me in an unexpected way. What people are experiencing with Corona are many of the same emotions, thoughts, and feelings I’ve experienced with Lyme. So here is a short series of what “Corona with Lyme” means to me.

(Written March 19th, 2020)

As I have processed all that is happening in the world around me in the last week, I’m reminded much of my journey with Lyme.

The initial days of understanding were and are a bit surreal. My brain has struggled to grasp the impact of everything that has happened and potentially will happen. This is closely followed by emotions of fear, questions, and trying to create order out of something that cannot have order made of it…yet. This is still out of our control.

When I was sick, I struggled with wanting to be able to plan and put order in a world that felt like quicksand in it’s constant changes out of my control. During this time, a friend told me “You can’t plan but you can do.”

I’ve been reminded of that phrase often this past week. It is hard to plan, but we can do what is in front of us today.

With Lyme and no planning for this planner, it was a hard thing to adjust to…a new normal where I wasn’t in control of what I wanted to be in control of and I couldn’t plan for that control in the future, but I could do the day in front of me. I could do the things that could help me that day. I could support and connect with others in that moment. And most importantly, I could meet with God in prayer when I wanted to plan and surrender that control I desired to Him…again…and again…and again…trusting He ultimately had the right thing in store for me.

Surrendering control is hard. It means grieving desires and plans that will not happen in the time we want them to or at all. It means feeling the emotions and letting them be real, because this is real. It means not stopping with that surrender, but living in the midst of it.

I still struggle with how to surrender my control and desires. I want my body to be well. I want to not have to think about food allergies in a meal before I eat it. I want to make pain to go away.

We are in season of a new normal and surrendering our “old” normal to the One who holds it all. It is hard. But it is also okay.

In a season of surrender, God continues to work and we continue to grow. It was out of surrender I learned about joy. And it is in this season of surrender I have been reminded how important joy in the journey is to continue to live. May you find joy in your day today.

Corona with Lyme…

When the pandemic started to spread, one of the first memes I saw said something along the lines of “If it was tick season, we’d have corona with Lyme.”

I had many thoughts about this meme (and had to bite my tongue a little) but it put a couple of things together for me in an unexpected way. What people are experiencing with Corona are many of the same emotions, thoughts, and feelings I’ve experienced with Lyme. So here is a short series of what “Corona with Lyme” means to me.

(Written March 18th, 2020)

It’s been a strange week, a surreal week.

In the last five days it seems like fear has swept the world. We have been told it isn’t safe to be around other people. We’ve been told to wash our hands diligently. We’ve been told it isn’t safe to go to buildings where it was safe to be three days ago. Schools have closed, restaurants cannot serve people on site, camps are cancelling all events for a month (including mine), and everything has moved to online, including worship. We’ve been told there is an invisible danger coming for us. We’ve been told it’s only going to get worse.

The world feels like it’s living in fear.

For me, it’s surreal because it is a lot like my experience with Lyme and living through an invisible illness, except this time the whole world is experiencing it too.

With Lyme, I couldn’t see it coming nor did I have control over how it affected me. It took a lot of try and try again with my doctor learning new things along with me while we treated something attacking my body that I/we could not see.

In that time too, there was fear. It’s hard when you can’t see or control the thing that’s coming after you…Lyme bugs or Corona bugs.

Living in the unknown is hard. With Lyme, we didn’t know when I would get better or what would help it. With Corona we don’t know if we are already carries, if we’ll get sick, or a whole host of “what if’s.”

If I’m honest, reliving those “what if’s” in the light of fear this week has paralyzed me at times. I don’t want to experience these things again. But the fear is triggering them back into my memory. The beginning of new, unknown experience is not a comfortable one.

And at the same time, the idea of being in lockdown is almost a safe place for me. I know how to isolate myself, not touch things in public, build a healthy immune system, and keep my mind occupied. Being home is safe, after having to live life carefully that way for almost two years. It is the known for me.

So I have found myself in this surreal place, reliving things from my past while experiencing new things that come in each day. I have found myself wanting to stay home and bar my windows and doors shut, to shut out the world until the danger has past. Yet, at the same time, something else reminds me that I cannot live well by shutting everything around me out. I need people and sunshine and to go to work (my office is steps from my front door) and to keep a routine in this time. I need to fight the fear by trusting it is okay.

~*~

10 years ago I questioned love and fear was safe. Today I am questioning fear and fighting for reminders that love is the safe place to be.

I know how to live in isolation. I know how to live with fear. I also know it is important to fight for freedom of that fear, to choose joy in the midst of chaos and tears and hard things that are out of your control. And how sometimes making that choice can be the hardest thing you choose to do in your day, while perhaps being the most important.

Today the squirrels were my reminder of joy. They were very busy all day, maybe because they knew a storm was coming, but they scurried all over the yard outside my office window and on my walk home from the office. Some had nuts in their mouths, others were running up and down trees. I’m not sure where they were headed or what they were thinking, but they were a reminder every time they ran past my window to look up and see what was right in front of me. To see that life is happening normally, even when it feels like it’s not. To be reminded that joy is as simple as a found nut that had been stored last fall and a squirrel scampering up a tree to enjoy his find. And they weren’t scared. They chose to live the day as it unfolded before them.

We can do the same. Live this day and focus on it, not the what-if’s of tomorrow.

Christmas Tree or no Christmas Tree, that is the Question…

This year, I got the Christmas tree out, decorated it, and within 24 hours put it away…

It’s been a strange beginning to the Christmas season for me, partially because I work in a church and SO much Christmas/Advent-related is happening all in one weekend, I’m a little overwhelmed. And then there’s the fact I’m still longing for fall, it doesn’t feel like Advent should be here already.

This weekend, Advent begins, and so does the season of waiting and preparation for Christmas. In this season of Advent, my desire is to be intentionally present in each moment…with people, time, and even in how I’m decorating.

My Advent wreath is one of my favorite things. Not only does it mark the days until Christmas, it is also a reminder to slow down, light the candles, and be present with God in His Word daily.

I placed jingle bells on my doors. I’ve always loved them, maybe because my mom’s favorite Christmas movie growing up was It’s A Wonderful Life or my favorite Christmas movie is Eloise at Christmastime. Either way, they bring joy to my home. They also mark the entering and exiting of my house and the people who walk through the doors. I want to be intentional in time with those visitors, as well as when I leave and spend time with people outside my home.

On my “mantel” this year is the nativity. Growing up we usually had a nativity out all year to remind us that we don’t celebrate Jesus just one day, but every day. It’s on the mantel as a front and center reminder to do just that.

I also have window clings of the nativity up. The creche on one window, the shepherd and angel bringing good news on another, and the wise men are on the bathroom mirror (doesn’t everyone do that?!). I put the wise men in the bathroom every year and once Christmas comes they move from window to window, making their way to baby Jesus on Epiphany! It keeps me intentional in celebrating the gift Christ gave me just as the wise men gave to Him.

Finally, Christmas lights. I’ve struggled this year with where to put them. In this time of year when it’s growing darker and darker, the Light of the World is about to come into that darkness. The warm glow of Christmas lights help me to intentionally slow down in the darkness, not jumping ahead but settling in; knowing of the Hope we celebrate on Christmas and the Hope that is yet to come.

So for this year, I asked the question, do I get the tree out or not? For those of you waiting with bated breath, the answer is yes. I rearranged the living room and got the tree out this year…again!

I pray you are able to be intentional during this Advent season, as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our risen King! May you find delight in these days of Advent.

Time to Climb…

Six and a half years ago a dream was born…to climb a mountain, a big one!

I had graduated at the beginning of May and had gone back out to Camp to help with the spring Outdoor Education groups. This was five months into my Lyme diagnosis and treatment and right before I left for camp, my doctor had switched me to a new medication. Two weeks later, the meds weren’t working and the Lyme bugs were rearing their ugly heads with a vengeance. I ended up on a friend’s couch for the following two weeks.

During that time my body felt like it was ripping apart from the inside. I begged for new nerves and a brain that worked correctly. It took all my energy to get up and walk a few yards to the bathroom.

Yet, in the question of a friend’s room, while I was at one of my lowest points in life, God whispered to me, “You’re going to climb a mountain, a big one.”

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” – Psalm 61:1-3

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God…My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, ‘Where is your God?’…Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.” – Psalm 42

“For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you case me off? Why must I walk mournfully because of the oppression of the enemy? O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.” – Psalm 43:2-4

These psalms quickly became my prayers. At that point in time I didn’t know how it was going to happen. The Lyme bugs felt like they were going to kill me. But I have trusted God will lead me to that mountaintop.

In the time between that day and now so much has happen! God’s showed me that I’ve already climbed many mountains and there are many left to climb. Out of all of this came the phrase “joy in the journey” which I have grown to live by.

“May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.” – Psalm 126:5-6

There has been joy in the dark times and the light ones too, each unique, laced with God’s grace and blessings. And I have made this my prayer, as well, that as I have sown in tears, I may reap in joy – a joy that will ultimately be made complete in eternity with Christ, where tears will exist no more! But for now, there is still joy in Him each day.

And now, it’s time to climb that really big mountain! The goal is for next fall and for some amazing people who have walked this road with me to join on the actual trail. My heart is excited and full of joy! A fog has begun to lift that has been heavy for the past 7+ years and God is SO good.

This journey is far from over, if anything it has just begun! I’m looking forward to each step along the way and what God has in store not only for that moment I summit the peak, but the journey to the mountain and beyond it too. It will take work, but there is joy in this journey my friend! I hope you’re able to find it in this day too!

Learning to Dance Again…

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to dance!

In a studio, on a stage, in a sanctuary, outside, my living room…it hasn’t ever really mattered.

Three weeks ago I decided to step back into a studio and start dancing with a class again after 10+ years away. It was incredibly familiar, even though I was learning new steps, culture, and form. The joy and the language of dance remained the same.

My body has started to wake up again and it’s like a breath of fresh air…in many ways.

For the past 7 years, pain has plagued my body and consumed my mind. There was still joy, but it has felt very different. It was a season in finding joy in sorrow, pain, and tears.

Now I feel like I’m waking up and that joy is feeling a little more familiar with each day. But this time it is a joy of living life fully in the blessings!

I love John 10:10, as it says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NRSV)

For so long that thief has hit hard and he will continue to seek to steal, kill, and destroy my joy. Jesus spells that out for us. But I know He is greater than that theif and came so that all could have life in great abundance, no matter the season of life!

With each season, change comes; with each dance class, change comes.

I have most certainly changed in the past 10+ years. I’m not the same person I was before Lyme disease and that is good. I’m learning to embrace and celebrate this good thing. With dance, I’m learning Irish instead of ballet and it is also good and a reason to celebrate. (And if you know anything about Irish Dance, it’s always a celebration!)

The steps in class and in life are different these days, but the journey is a familiar one and the same Christ walks with me each day! Find joy in your journey this day!