jencoito

Imaginary Squirrels

“It’s a little harder for me to hike down because I am carrying a squirrel.” When my sister explained the trouble my daughter was having with this “squirrel” she was carrying, my husband helpfully recommended the squirrel sit on her shoulder so she’d have both hands free. Unfortunately, the “squirrel” kept slipping off her shouldersContinueContinue reading “Imaginary Squirrels”

Chapel of No

This post appeared as part of a series on Belonging featured on the Into the Deep Blog. It was “No.” As clear as day. I had prayed for an answer, and I heard the “No”. I wanted it to be yes… so, so, so badly. I was devastated. I remember the place, the people, theContinueContinue reading “Chapel of No”

Just As I Am Today

“Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me.” Psalm 40:7 Feast of the Annunciation As we emphasize our human failings and sinfulness during Lent, we can be tempted to turn inward and focus inordinately on ourselves. We expend energy on what we have given up or attempted to improveContinueContinue reading “Just As I Am Today”

No Fair!

“The LORD’s way is not fair!” Ezekiel 18:25 No Fair! How many of us have heard this righteous proclamation from someone in our lives? Kids are notorious for pointing out the unfairness of being asked to pick up their toys, brush their teeth, and wait their turn in line. Someone got a bigger piece of cake,ContinueContinue reading “No Fair!”

Grazing Herd of Kids

“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, One does not live on bread alone.’” Luke 4:3-4 “Can I have a snack?” “Didn’t you JUST eat?” “I need a different snack, a better snack.”Crackers, cereal, apple slices, yogurts, cheese sticks. They scavenge around theContinueContinue reading “Grazing Herd of Kids”

More Myself

I have become kid-chaos. Who I am is a person rushing out the door grabbing folders and backpacks, reminding everyone what day it is. I am the one who does laundry at night. I am a chauffeur, a cheerleader, a shoe finder, and a homework deadline drill sergeant. My waking hours are defined by soContinueContinue reading “More Myself”

Making a Church

Feast of St. Lucy, MartyrDecember 13, 2021, Monday of the Third Week of Advent Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. – Psalm 25: 4-5 I’m making a Church! Our two-year was putting together a littleContinueContinue reading “Making a Church”

Parched

Friday of the Second Week of Advent. Read more…. “Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life. He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.”- Psalm 1:3 Being an urban Southern Californian, I’ve never reallyContinueContinue reading “Parched”

Hurting

Saturday of the First Week of Advent, originally posted on https://www.christusministries.org/advent-blog/saturday-of-the-first-week-of-advent-1 “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” – Matthew 10:7-8 “My body hurting.”It has been almost two weeks since our toddler beganContinueContinue reading “Hurting”

On Solid Ground

“The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.” – Matthew 7:25 First grade teacher: “What season comes after summer?” My kid: “Fire season!” Observing a lesson on seasons during Zoom school last year, it became very apparentContinueContinue reading “On Solid Ground”