Short Story: War Legs

by Elisa | Sep 12, 2014 | Uncategorized

(Note: this above image is the prompt for this story) War Legs Run. Run faster. They galloped east. They skittered west. Now they trampled south. Let those legs fly! It always got tricky when they ran south. The dark trees spiked from the...

Be Intentional: Seize The Day Bucket List

by Elisa | Sep 6, 2014 | Stuff of the Heart

Do you have a "Seize the Day" list? Or a"Before I Kick the Bucket" list? A "Live Life Intentionally "list? I ran across mine the other day. I still haven't milked a cow, but surely someday I will receive that blessed opportunity from somewhere (like a farm, but...

A Short Story: Colossus Stymied

by Elisa | Sep 5, 2014 | Uncategorized

Colossus Stymied Princess be rollin’ down my hill again. I laugh, ‘cuz Princess gives me tickles when she goes a-hillin’. I call her Stellalina. We’uns need to be a’namin’ the princesses. But the others say I be a baby, cryin’ on, making pets out nuthin’ but fleas. I...

A Short Story: Darkroom

by Elisa | Aug 31, 2014 | Uncategorized

Darkroom I swore vehemently at the ruined print, damaged by my sticky fingers. I knew Doc’s sensors were off; I didn’t want a beating-- even if only telepathically. I was on a slow-track to finish my dissertation, so I still had to “play worlds”...

Dark Skies: The Story and Song for the Weary Advocate

by Elisa | Aug 30, 2014 | Art of Advocacy, Stuff of the Heart

This story is not uncommon in the world of advocacy. Nor in the world of anything, where time passes and one works, works, works. After expending, imparting to love and free others, it seemed their toil was in vain. Those they worked for were not really free. But...

United Mothers: Childbirth Hurts Like Heck (But The Baby is Bliss)

by Elisa | Aug 29, 2014 | Busy Moms, Children-in-Need, Create Awareness, Global Health, Ways to Make a Difference, Women's Empowerment

I Hate Childbirth, But There Is That Bliss After my first darling was born, I think I went into a form of emotional shock. I was convinced I would have to have years of therapy before I could ever have another child. Sadly, I didn't have the chance to receive...

Wormwood and Other Short Stories: Flash! Friday Fiction

by Elisa | Aug 25, 2014 | Stuff of the Heart

An Aspiring Writer As you might have noticed, I have plunged back into writing fiction. Although essays seem to be more applicable in expressing what I care about, my heart is twined with fiction. Not only do I love to read (which is why I occasionally review for...

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and My Flawed Principle

by Elisa | Aug 23, 2014 | Create Awareness, Stuff of the Heart, United States, Ways to Make a Difference

Nominated for the Epidemic I began seeing signs of this epidemic a few weeks ago. It was spreading. I was cringing. It looked painful. Uncomfortable. And, truth be told, it also looked gimmicky, mainstream, and sportsy. I like to think I am incompatible with all of...

In the Name of Frozen Lasagna, Love Thy Community!

by Elisa | Aug 17, 2014 | United States, Ways to Make a Difference

Why Observing How My Community Made Dinners For New Moms Changed My Perspective (A Community Living Post) A Brief History of the Lasagna You might have thought lasagnas were invented in Italy, but they weren't. They were created back when cavemen took their...

Adventure

Swamp Wisdom: An Ecclesiastes on Human Rights

Ever heard of ancient King Solomon? He was said to be the wisest of them all as he philosophized...

Busy Moms, Community, Family & Relationships, Raising Kids

Identity Crisis #3467 – My Messy Beautiful

The other day, my daughter was excitedly expressing her admiration of the teachers and helpers at her school. I usually resist the temptation to to ask my kids what they want to be when they grow up because at some point in my...

Anthropology Psychology Sociology, Mental Health, Recovery, Safe Spaces

What to Do With that Blasted Holy Discontent (I used to be a radical)

I used to be a radical. I used to be a radical–until I wasn’t. After high school, I...

Ethical Fashion, Fair Trade Products, Giving Back, Socially Conscious Brands

How Politics Pushed Me To Only Buy Ethically Sourced Clothes

It might be hard to believe, but it has been two years since our last presidential election....

Children-in-Need, Clean Water, Conflicts, Wars, Genocides and Atrocities, Global Health, Good Charities, Helping that Doesn't Hurt, Human Rights, Poverty, Refugees and Immigration, Seeking Justice, United States

3 Tips to Be a Peacemaker

When the world is crazy or when we care about something a lot, how do we do advocacy well. Here are three tips to be peacemakers!

Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking

Want to Bring Freedom to the Exploited (Right Now)?

Ready to do something about exploitation now? Help us find partners or volunteer for Blackout Trafficking!

Leadership

A New Year, They Said: A Poem for Changemakers in January

Its a New Year, and with it, demands for volunteering, ministry, activism, and more more more! This satirical poem addresses giving from fullness and restful changemaking

Spiritual Discipleship

When Our Best Yes Meets Humble Service: When Should Changemakers Clean Toilets?

Often Changemakers find themselves doing the faithful background service of doing things like changing toilets. How to we balance our "best yes" with humility?