Author: Violeta
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Conversation with a 5 year old while hiking
Jackie, there are consequences to your defiance and disrespect. You are old enough to reason with, so [for disobedience, lying or disrespect] we start taking away privileges: like the occasional cartoons or games, shopping sprees, sleepovers, sweets, independent play outside. I’m trying to teach you what’s good, and how to distinguish it from the bad. …
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Standing out
I had just transferred to an elite high school. The teachers were sharp and ruthless. The first year is a very humbling experience for anyone. And apparently this strategy worked for them. My 1st to 4th grade teacher, in his rough style, unpredictable, impatient and unkind, taught me to not rely on teacher approval. 8th…
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Screens and addiction
That awkwardness when someone pulls out their phone and you sit like a dumb next to them. Resisting. A decade and a half ago I was that person. An introvert. I had bought an iPod nano after my summer in Silicon Valley, and as I came back to college, I would listen to music a…
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It’s Monday
Prayer warriors, join me. The battle is on. This week, the much awaited file is opened by the case manager, for review, for completion. I pray for a willing heart. Not a slighted one. I pray for open doors of their own. To find the people they need, to get the answers they’ve been waiting…
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integrity
When you live a life of integrityDon’t expect recognitionDon’t expect applause.But be ready to stand alone. When you speak upFor the orphansExpect rebukeAnd prepare for the mocking. To recognize The right side up Quiet your spiritAnd close your eyes. Find your balance.Listen to God’s whisper. As elbows will poke youAnd hands will shoveFeet will kickAnd the rebuke…
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What is my Theology?
One day, my daughters may look back at my life, and be strengthened in their faith. Yesterday Jackie joined me in my quest to stir things up, to inquire, to move stones out of the less traveled path. What do I have to give to these girls? Not much by the standards of this world.…
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A season of clarity
The more time I spend reading the Bible, the easier it becomes to discern God’s voice. Yet I don’t do it enough. I get distracted like a little child, enjoying the scenery, enjoying the simplicity of life. And maybe, in the grand scheme of things, that’s not a bad thing either. So, I was laying…
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The gift of having a voice
A sense of peace engulfed me. I had reached the bottom and faced my fears. Then I pushed away from them. Too often we fear of speaking up. We’re afraid of unforeseen consequences. But most often, the inaction brought on by fear has far dire consequences than any act of courage. Yesterday I was an…
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Do I trust my emotions?
I rely on them often. They are an engine of eloquence, of drive, of courage. I have learned to slow down and pray, commit my overdrive to God. But then I go for it. I speak my mind. I take action. I make decisions. I am an emotional activist. And in my youth I learned…
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Despre așteptare
Ca un vulcan, ca o tornada, alimentata emoțional, imi adâncesc picioarele in tărie, citind Psalmi, rugându-ma neîncetat, apoi imi fac curaj sa înfrunt lumea, pasivitatea, si nedreptatea. Am așteptat, din respect, dintr-o încredere oarba in sistem, datorită unei echipe dedicate care mi-a câștigat încrederea. M-am rugat si am crezut. Am crezut ca prin credința putem…
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Letter to my youngest
My sweet younger daughter, Whom I haven’t met yet, but my heart knows you. My prayers are not in vain. Your heart is precious. Your life matters. I pray with passion For our reunion And in the same breath I submit my dream to God; May His perfect will be done In His perfect timing.…