The Fig & Feather

Who knows how many sunsets I’ve watched in wonder. It’s a common event, day after day, but there is nothing common about a flaming sky slipping towards darkness. It’s a gift of closure for the passing of days. This day in the Ural Mountains has long passed, but the flames still glow in memory.

10/06/2023

When I'm not on the road, my mornings at home are getting the boys to school, followed by coffee and scripture. I sit on the sofa and work my way through the word. I committed at the new year to get through the whole Bible 4 times this year because I'm writing so much curriculum that I wanted it to be fully fresh. Every 90 days, I’ve finished another trip through. I’m early in my final read-through, and it has me thinking-

Time is measured in a million different ways. Of course, there are the minutes and hours, but there are also the cups of coffee, pages turned, little boy haircuts, and the hundreds of peeled potatoes that tell a story of time.

I’ve been blessed to see the beauty in the most minor details, to learn how to craft a word to fit a moment, to pause doing and experience being. I’m learning to take my time making time.

Sometimes, I get anxious because I wonder if I’m wasting time by leaving too often or by wishing for more, but when I ground myself to the corner seat of the sofa with my favorite mug from my TN mountain home, open the Word, and hold a little time in the quiet, I’m reminded that this is the day the Lord made- this one, right here- right now, and I will be glad in it. And that He has promised me all the time in the world.

I’m going to keep taking Him up on that offer.

10/04/2023

One of the hundreds of snapshots from my time in Ecuador (a story in progress):

These young ladies are some representatives of a work in Quito who are learning to bake and sell cookies to grow educational opportunities for their peers who are disadvantaged educationally, socially, and communally. Each little cookie represents so much hope and love for today and tomorrow. Kids reaching kids is a lesson for us all.

-And Jose-, their fearless leader, pours his heart out week after week, feeding families and sharing love with the next generation by championing the gospel, putting long hours into the work, and showing up every single day for all the kids in his community!

This is Love in action.

10/04/2023

Morning scribbles for those of us who need a dose of hope.

10/01/2023

Rounding out hour 21 of travels back home. Lovely trip to South America, but home is always my favorite destination.

09/27/2023

I’m on a writing assignment in Ecuador, and tonight’s view from my stay at Casa Elizabeth was not to be missed. Goodnight from South America.

09/20/2023

My little back patio -

When we moved northwest, I lost my South Carolina wrap-around porch and the swing where I once soothed my fussy babies. It was a dreadful loss, personally, because I spent most of my time there. I knew I couldn't live without a little place to be outside, so I carved out a nook, planted trees and flowers, and made a “porch” patio as best I could. It does the trick—-but—- I'd trade it in in a heartbeat for the real deal 😉.

09/17/2023

Favorites 🍁

09/13/2023

I found this little mushroom yesterday in the back yard. Look at what happens in the course of 12 hours. Full transformation.

You know, unseen most of the time lies countless spores and seeds ready to burst forth things our imaginations are incapable of producing.

God is doing this type of work just under the surface in each of us, too. Seeds and spores of faith waiting to burst forth. But we have to be willing to bear the fruit. We have to cultivate the soil of our souls so that the right things grow.

It's interesting the role that mushrooms play in nature. Sure, they feed off dead and decaying matter, but it becomes an animal food source. And they process decay into life. Without the work of mushrooms, nature would stall.

Imagine if God creates and shoots forth millions of different mushrooms just to ensure nature is in balance and decay is in its proper place, how much more is he willing to work all things for the good in our souls?

A loving creator could resurrect that dead, lifeless part of us to bring life to others and joy within.

For seeds to grow, they must break open. For spores to spread, they have to be willing to take flight.

When we break open our hearts, hope grows. Hope spreads.

And we bear fruit. Dead things resurrect with new life.

09/11/2023

Talking to myself today…
Complain or change?

09/07/2023

This the season 🍁

We’re falling for this hand-lettered thick ceramic campfire mug. The creamy, speckled design makes every mug moment memorable. It's perfect for you and all the little pumpkins in your life!

09/01/2023

It's a Fig &Feather Friday Mug SALE!
Happy September, everyone. 🍁
Today, when you shop directly at thefigfeather.com, ALL mugs are 25% off using code MUGSALE at checkout.

🍁Code only works on the site, not the Instagram/Facebook store🍁

08/29/2023

Today, I read the journal I kept while apprenticing in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Little photos I took, like this one, were tucked in the pages.

I feel like I've left a “breadcrumb” trail of my heart all over this world.

To those of you who have read my work in all its formats these many years, it has meant the world to me. Thank you.

And to the beautiful people who have allowed me to photograph them and write their stories, your kindness has traveled the world with me.

There will be more stories, more people, and more breadcrumbs as long as the Good Lord keeps providing.

“And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

08/28/2023

It's easy to make a plan or have a dream. The real work comes when you (and only you) have to show up for yourself. If you say you're going to do a thing- do the thing. Have the courage to show up and follow through with those internal promises. It's revolutionary, and it reflects your character and strength.

08/25/2023

I was 21 when I captured this photo of my new friends in West Africa. I was there to study, but I found myself wanting most to write their beautiful stories. These kids were so special. They were with me for weeks. Old journals, a $100 Cannon camera, and four rolls of film were all I had, most of it used for moments just as this.

God was birthing a dream in my heart, but it didn't match the plans others were making for me. I couldn't see the other side, but I kept taking photos and writing.

It's taken most of my life to see things unfold, but He’s been faithful to pursue me and persuade me to continue and trust Him with the outcomes.

Next month, more than twenty years later, I'll be in Ecuador with the exclusive purpose of capturing stories. These stories will go in the Alliance Kids Curriculum, where children worldwide will hear the Good News of the Gospel and see His stunning work across the globe.

I've been writing this curriculum for more than a year now, and each time I complete another quarter, I remember this day in Africa.

I once was lost, but now I'm found.
He's been faithful.

08/23/2023

Places that make us

08/21/2023

Monday Leadership Tip

Practice courage:
Layering small acts of bravery over time i”will expand your courage. It takes courage to lead well because risk is always involved. Courage pushes us to take good risks, and our strengths help us manage the failures and successes in the journey.

08/20/2023

Golden hour

08/19/2023

Saturday ☕🤍🐶
I'm enjoying his crazy fluff one more morning. He’ll be groomed later today.
Mr. Boudreaux Stickles “Buddy”
We recently celebrated his 6th birthday and year 5 with us!