About

When I created this blog in 2011, I was searching for a way to organize my thoughts through some difficult times.  That was nearly 5 years ago. It's funny, I identified then some of the same struggles I have now: I am bossy (er, I possess leadership skills),  I have difficulty following, and sometimes I need to take a step back to see the big picture so I don't drown in the details.

When I hit publish on "Faithfully Following" for the first time five Octobers ago, I figured I'd eventually find a title for this blog that fit. Until then I kept hoping I could make it fit my actual life and family.

But we're doing so much more than following now.

So, where did the new title come from?  A few things inspired me.  

See these? They are sitting above my kitchen cabinets. In case you're new to the blog, these represent each of the initials of our little party of 5: Todd, Christina, Madeline, Ava, and Harper. I just looked up one day and it hit me. When you move the letters around, you can spell the word MATCH.  

 

Matches start something. And we're definitely in a season where we are starting: new churches, schools, friendships, and jobs. Todd is always trying to "light a fire" and encourage new activity where there was none. I've started a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group at our church. I also began working for Faith in Place, an earth care non-profit, where I get to talk to people of many faiths about why it's important for us to lead in care and concern for our common land, air, and water.

We sing to our children,"this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine." They in turn are matches to their siblings and classmates.

Todd and I know "it only takes a spark to get a fire going". Our job is to strike the match, then get out of the way as the fire of the Spirit takes the lead.

This title feels a lot better, more honest, more reflective of the real us. We're a pretty spirited group.  

 
What kinds of fires have you been lighting lately?