I’ve debated about setting up a presence on Substack. I already have this beautiful blog created by a talented web developer. But I’ve watched many friends and writers that I greatly admire enter this space and enhance my life with their writing. I’ve decided to jump in. Things aren’t quite “pretty” … [Read more...] about Looking Forward with Hope
Updates
What’s Up with Lisa? Update from the Ball Chair for 11/15/23
So many of you have checked up on me in recent weeks to offer prayers and well wishes. I thought it might be fun to resurrect my "Update from the Ball Chair" posts that I was doing during the pandemic to bring friends up to speed on some of the personal and professional development in my life. As I … [Read more...] about What’s Up with Lisa? Update from the Ball Chair for 11/15/23
In the Making: Update from the Ball Chair for 10/15/20
I log into my little blog world and note that in the blink of an eye, a whole month has gone by since the last time that I posted one of these updates. How could that be? Pandemic life is complex: days seem both endlessly long and also too short to accomplish all that's on my plate. Honestly, the … [Read more...] about In the Making: Update from the Ball Chair for 10/15/20
Companions for the Journey: Update from the Ball Chair for 09/14/20
When I penned I Am God's Storyteller in 2019, I learned a big lesson about creating work for children that truly reinforced the message of the book. God has given each of us unique and beautiful gifts with which to share the story of his love for us. My creative partner for that book was Eric … [Read more...] about Companions for the Journey: Update from the Ball Chair for 09/14/20
It’s a Book: Update from the Ball Chair for 09/10/20
I should have learned this lesson years ago: be careful when you decide to write a book about living your faith. God will expect you to "walk your talk". My first experience with this came with the writing of my very first book, The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body and … [Read more...] about It’s a Book: Update from the Ball Chair for 09/10/20
Miracles: Update from the Ball Chair for 09/02/20
My beloved "ball chair" is nowhere in sight for this edition of my semi-regular update. In mid-August, Greg and I planned a quick two-day getaway to take advantage of an open spot on his calendar. We arrived at our destination, checked in, and set out on a long walk. We enjoyed a quiet dinner in our … [Read more...] about Miracles: Update from the Ball Chair for 09/02/20
One Day at a Time: Update from the Ball Chair for 07/13/20
I think I touched a nerve last week with my "pity party" admission. Several of you took the time to reach out to me personally and offer hopeful support and prayers. Please know that I'm incredibly grateful. I often hesitate to be anything but optimistic along this "mission" of mine because truly my … [Read more...] about One Day at a Time: Update from the Ball Chair for 07/13/20
On a Mission: Update from the Ball Chair for 07/06/20
Perhaps it was the calendar flip to July that did it. Perhaps the re-closure of the beaches, or my husband spending the better part of the 4th working in the Emergency Room... In the end, I'm not sure what exactly caused it. But I spent a few days last week in pity party mode. Maybe you're … [Read more...] about On a Mission: Update from the Ball Chair for 07/06/20
Looping: Update from the Ball Chair for 06/29/20
Greg and I have a walking route in our neighborhood that we've named the "Thayer Loop" after the name of a nearby street that's along the path. I think we started walking the Loop in March, shortly after we were asked to stay home and stay safe. Most days, I walk at least one Loop. If I'm lucky, I … [Read more...] about Looping: Update from the Ball Chair for 06/29/20
Rooted: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/25/20
As I type these words, it's Memorial Day and I'm sitting in my back yard listening to birds chirping and the wind blowing through the trees. Overhead, I hear a plane in the distance and the very low hum of traffic on a nearby thoroughfare. Greg is at work in the Emergency Department, so I have a few … [Read more...] about Rooted: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/25/20
#OutAndAbout: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/18/20
In Los Angeles, we've seen a loosening of some COVID-19 health restrictions. But this week that our mayor also formally announced that mask-wearing would be mandatory when we leave our homes. I have no problem with this regulation. I've trained myself to don a mask, even when it was not previously … [Read more...] about #OutAndAbout: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/18/20
Bouncing Back: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/11/20
“Faith is like a bright ray of sunlight. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God.” St. Francis de Sales When I stand at the desk adjacent to my "ball chair" in my office, my view overlooks our front yard and the beautiful jacaranda tree planted in our median. The Los … [Read more...] about Bouncing Back: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/11/20
#PrayStrong: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/04/20
I may be losing it, friends. Here in Los Angeles, it feels like we are still weeks or perhaps months away from "normal" life. To be honest, even when our social distancing ends, I don't think that life will resemble what it used to be. My speaking engagements and travel have been canceled for the … [Read more...] about #PrayStrong: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 5/04/20
#StayHome: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/27/20
Looking at the news today, we're beginning to hear about states around the country who are "reopening" and allowing people to venture forth from their homes. This hasn't happened in Los Angeles yet. Our current "safer at home" order has been extended through May 15. I have the sense that even if we … [Read more...] about #StayHome: Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/27/20
Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/20/20
Why did I decide to call this little weekly post my "update from the ball chair"? The past several weeks have given me an increased appreciation for the diverse functionality of my home office. I'm blessed to have my own space in our tidy little LA house. My office is part library, part workout … [Read more...] about Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/20/20
Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/13/20
Hi friends! I hope this little post finds you well and at peace after our completely unusual Easter celebration. I have been musing since we began sequestering ourselves a few weeks ago about the best possible way to communicate with those of you who have been so supportive of my work. To be honest, … [Read more...] about Lisa’s Update from the Ball Chair for 4/13/20
