Bobbie's Goings On

For the past year I have been struggling with the concept of forgiveness. I spent time trying to forgive myself for the hurts that I had thrust upon myself over the years. Why did I abuse my body so much in my youth? Why did I make all of those poor choices that by the grace of God I survived? Why did I never live up to my own potential? Why did I enslave myself to this deep self-loathing, which I’d become addicted to? The best intentions can fall short and forgiveness is a tall and complicated… Continue

In most Lutheran churches communication isn’t necessarily our strongest of spiritual gifts. So, in the moments that it does work, I think we need to share.

I grew up in an LCMS congregation where speaking aloud was discouraged. So, it was quite a surprise to me when on my first visit to my new home church that when we got to the section of prayer where it says, “aloud or in our hearts” and the voices rang out. People were speaking words – during the service – that were NOT written in the bullet… Continue

Very recently (as in, this week) I returned to therapy. I had taken an unplanned hiatus, which generally means that I’m tired of dealing with my issues and am climbing under my bed. (My metaphor for hiding – I don’t actually go under my bed, I’d get stuck.) Well, by grace I have been saved (from myself).

One of the key elements to depression recovery is a support system. Because the depression will return and it is deceptive. That’s one of my goals for therapy this time: What are my signs that… Continue

This is a critique of the Book of Faith Bible Study: Romans. Our class ranged from 4 (in the midst of flu season) to 9, with an average of 7 at each study. In our group age ranged from 21 to 80. The vast majority of participants were female (all, but the facilitator, our pastor). We sat in an oval in our Carpenter Room (a warm, homey room with a sofa and comfortable chairs). It was advertised in announcements during Sunday service, on our website and in the Newsletter. Our pastor has challenged… Continue

Three years ago I began the process of writing a novel. I have a rough draft completed of over 100 pages (very rough). The actual writing took about 8 months. The editing is where I stopped. Not because it was overwhelming, though it was. Not because I became bored with the story, I miss the characters dearly. Not because I didn’t know what to do next, though I did not.
What I am coming to realize is the reason I didn’t complete the process is because of my determination to not be good enough. T… Continue