Tag: Writing

Lifestyle, Writing

Seeking His Refuge // How Living Outside Helped Me Find God Again

Meredith

Hi everyone,

It’s the beginning of my sophomore year of college, and as the papers and books are piling up again, I figured this old, dusty blog could use some freshening up before my time becomes all-consumed with academics again. As I was sitting down to write this, I realized that I’ve never written a blog post from a college dorm room, but today seems like a good day to try something new. :)

The last time I wrote, I was not in a place to share much about the specifics of my personal life. Now, however, I feel that I can be more open about some major, recent events in my life (minus the unsolicited details). To summarize, in 2021 I contracted a severe illness that drastically affected every aspect of my daily life for almost a year. My body was in shambles, my confidence was destroyed, and my faith suffered a severe blow. I continued to carry the pain from this traumatic experience throughout my freshman year of college, as I was unsure how to rebuild myself as a person and find healing from such life-altering events. Continue reading “Seeking His Refuge // How Living Outside Helped Me Find God Again” →

Lifestyle

Growth // A Post for Reflection

Meredith

Hi everyone,

I feel like I say this at the beginning of every post, but it’s been a while since I last visited this little corner of the internet. To be honest, I’m not sure what prompted me to write this – I have no idea what I’m going to say.

I guess that’s been my problem over the past several months – I just haven’t had the right words. I’ve missed writing for this blog so much, but I just haven’t regained my inspiration. I’ve been told that’s understandable based on my recent circumstances, but I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt every time I remember my dear old blog, collecting dust in its corner of the internet. Continue reading “Growth // A Post for Reflection” →

Lifestyle

Healing // Finding Purpose in Pain

Meredith

I sit at the white, paint-stained desk in my bedroom. I wear sweatpants and a large, oversized t-shirt. My hair – much longer now than it was when I last wrote – hangs in a loose, messy bun at the base of my head. The window sits open, and a soft breeze that carries the familiar scent of fall drifts in. The autumn air is somehow crisper, lighter than the air of summer. It fills my room with the smell of falling leaves and the faintest hint of smoke. Birds sing in the distance as the soft, golden light is beginning to disappear. The atmosphere of the changing seasons is calming and restful. Even though my body hurts, my mind is clear, my heart is full, my soul is at peace.

It feels good to be writing again. Continue reading “Healing // Finding Purpose in Pain” →

Bookish, Lifestyle

Why I Stopped Reading // Tales and Trials From a High School Literature Class

Meredith

My sophomore year of high school was pretty rough. There were several personal challenges I was facing, and academics was one of them. I was involved in an incredibly rigorous homeschool program, which unfortunately left me mentally drained and physically exhausted every day. It was nearly impossible to find the time (or energy, for that matter), to pursue my interests, develop my hobbies, or spend time with friends and family without forsaking my studies. School was taking over my life, and I was sick of it.  Continue reading “Why I Stopped Reading // Tales and Trials From a High School Literature Class” →

Writing

Tom and Fred // A Short

Meredith

A few days ago at Chick-fil-A, I was working the drive-thru window during our lunch shift. An older man pulled up to the window with his dog in the passenger seat of his little red car. The man’s name was Tom. Since his food wasn’t ready yet, I decided to make polite conversation with him while we waited. He was a nice man, and seemed happy to talk. I commented on how sweet his dog was, and inquired as to its name.

“His name is Fred,” Tom replied as he pet the dog’s brown head. He gave Fred a warm smile as he scratched behind the dog’s scruffy ears.

“What kind of dog is he?” I asked, grinning.

“No idea,” said Tom. “I found him as a stray when he was just a pup.” Continue reading “Tom and Fred // A Short” →

Writing

When The Fireflies Come Out // A Short

Meredith

Several summers ago, an old friend and I were playing in a park at dusk. When the fireflies came out, we were both thrilled to catch them. My friend decided it would be fun to smash the bugs on his hands so his palms would glow, and it quickly turned into a game of how many fireflies I could protect, and how many he could smash. I was so mad at my friend for destroying these beautiful little creatures, but I was also laughing through my anger.

I miss that evening in the park. I’m reminded of it every summer when the fireflies come out, and a small smile always crosses my face as I remember. Continue reading “When The Fireflies Come Out // A Short” →

Bookish

Why I Disliked “Divergent” // A Book Review

Meredith

*sigh* So I read Divergent.

As I mentioned in this post, I’ve heard many mixed reviews about the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. Some love it, some hate it, some don’t really have an opinion. After hearing sooo much about Divergent, I finally decided to read the first book to see for myself what it’s like. (Shout out to Diamond for helping me get a copy!) Was it great? No. Was it the worst book I’ve ever read? Also no.

In my opinion, Divergent was cliché story with poor world-building and shallow characters. In other words, I strongly disliked this book for several reasons. Let me explain. Continue reading “Why I Disliked “Divergent” // A Book Review” →

Writing

“And I Fly” // A Short Story

Meredith

I lay in my bed under soft, warm blankets, the rain drumming peacefully on the roof over my head. Its “pitter-pattering” is gently lulling me to sleep along with the calming classical music playing from the radio on my nightstand. I feel myself drifting into the place between being asleep and awake, and I hover there for a moment before I float into my dream.  Continue reading ““And I Fly” // A Short Story” →

Lifestyle, Travel, Writing

The Day I Took a One-Way Flight Home // Life Update

Meredith

Hello all! It’s been quite a while, hasn’t it?

After my last post, I decided to take a short break from blogging until after most of the chaos from our move home was behind me. Over a month has passed since then, and I’m very happy to report that we made it safely back to Missouri, and I am sitting in my old bedroom as I write this! Since it’s been a while since you last heard from me, I decided I owe you all an update on the past couple crazy weeks of my life, including the day I flew home for good.

Continue reading “The Day I Took a One-Way Flight Home // Life Update” →

Writing

Daniel’s Deliverance – An Adaptation from Daniel 6

Meredith

Image result for daniel and the lions den imageHello everybody!

I was recently going through some old documents on my computer and happened to stumble across a paper I wrote in the 6th grade. It was a story about Daniel’s experience in the lion’s den, adapted from Daniel 6. I re-read it, and thought it would be an interesting piece of writing to share with you! I made a couple of edits (my writing style has changed and hopefully improved since the 6th grade XD), but now it’s ready to go! So without further ado, here is “Daniel’s Deliverance – An Adaptation from Daniel 6”.

Continue reading “Daniel’s Deliverance – An Adaptation from Daniel 6” →