Ellen Rosenberger

I used to think I wasn't creative. Probably because I thought you had to be an artist in order to be considered creative. Now, almost eight years into being a mom, I've realized that yes, yes I am creative. In fact, creativity, I've come to believe, is a necessity for the sane mama's tool kit. Creativity along with a sense of humor and a deep, resilient, on-your-knees prayerful faith. Why is creativity so important? Well, because life. And because kids. All different kids with every manner of personality and learning style and mood on any given day. Creativity gives you options and creativity can actually give you joy in the mundane. I don't think any other child has helped grow my creativity more than my third. My wild child: Lucy Katherine. She lives on her own planet. One that is filled with dreams and adventures and fun. If I thought I wasn't creative before she was born I certainly don't think so now. I have to be! And yet at the same time she can a...

There’s been a slow steady drizzle all day. Like tears streaming down from heaven. Dreary and grey outside. Similar inside for many of us as well. The events of the school shooting yesterday are sadly not new for this area but the trauma, fear, and sadness are felt afresh. I can only attempt to put into words the emotions that a mama’s heart experiences at the news that a school has an active shooter in it. Ten short minutes away. A school where some of my dear church families send their kids. Lord, help us. And then the news that my own kids’ school was placed on lock-out. These are kids. Innocent kids. Who just went to school on a normal Tuesday. And this happening so soon after all the fear caused by hundreds of school closings during a manhunt a few weeks ago. It really was more than a mama’s heart could handle. But my mind went to the mamas and teachers and friends and family members of the students going through this unspeakable ordeal. My prayers fueled by empathy and sad...

Slowing The Goodbye The clock keeps ticking The days keep going How will we say goodbye? Can it be slow? Can it be meaningful, intentional? Or will it be fast? Will it be stressful and abrupt? How do you say goodbye to a place? To a time in your life of struggle and growth? Where each year has been different? It seems impossible to process it all. Can I slow the goodbye? Here I can. I can remember. I can say thanks. I can wonder. And I can embrace the past With all its nostalgia And look toward an uncertain future With all its promise and charm. Here I slow the goodbye. I take time to remember friends gone, Moments of triumph, moments of pain, Stress and joy, adventure and struggle. How could three years pass so quickly Yet hold so many poignant memories? My calendar says there's no time to reflect. But here I slow the goodbye.