My favorite memory from childhood is of me standing on the front porch swaying in the wind from the storm that was brewing.  Thunder was rolling and lightning was beginning to streak across the sky.  It was a moment of pure exhilarated abandonment. I had no fear.

I think I love that memory because it was during an untarnished time in my life. A time of innocence and pureness. A time before I knew to be afraid. That memory is a safe place for me when life waters are muddied.  It reminds me that God created me to be free.  In Him, I can withstand the roar of the storm.   In Him, I am free.

I am a dreamer, but I’m also a little bit pragmatic, which makes life interesting, to say the least. My husband helped me orchestrate a list of words to describe me:  Christ-follower, Curious, Creative, Complex, Charming, Considerate, Cordial, Candid, Committed, Canny and Chary.

I’ve always loved words and how they come together so beautifully to tell stories. For years I journaled, rearranged words writing snippets on whatever scrap of paper I could find.  I dabbled in free verse and other poetry.  I majored in English in college and taught for several years.  I always had a dream of one day writing a book. But, I didn’t really consider that I was a writer.  I didn’t think I could call myself a writer if I didn’t have a published book. I no longer believe that to be true.

I write poetry, devotions, lyrical essays and personal anecdotes with a bit of humor thrown in from time to time. My faith and family are both important to me and you will see threads of both in most of my writing. I love the month of October and sometimes am more inspired to write during that season. I can, on occasion, be profound.  I find that my writing voice sometimes changes to reflect my current mood.  The stories that reflect my family values, or have tidbits about my family are the ones closest to my heart. (this one too).  They give me my sense of place, of belonging and connection.

I am married to Rocky, aka Mr. Piano. He is a professional pianist and earned his DMA in May 2013. He is currently serving on the ministry team of our church as Minister of Music and Children.  I am proud of him.  He is the best thing that ever happened to me and I can’t imagine my life without him. He centers me.  We find that romance exists in simple everyday moments.  Life with him has been an adventure in finding our sense of place and fulfilling our purpose in this life.

Having a sense of place, of belonging, is central, I believe, to our sense of purpose. As a Christian, we have our sense of place centered in Jesus Christ. Being rooted in him is what gives us belonging and purpose. As earth dwellers, for a time, I believe that it is important to have a sense of belonging.  Jesus matters. Family matters. Friends matter. Community matters. I find that the writing journey helps me evaluate and define Whose I am, Who I am, Where I belong, What I am called to do, and How it needs to be accomplished.

My hope for you, dear reader, is that as I share my stories you will find connections that help you find your sense of place and thereby realize your purpose. I hope you are inspired, encouraged and challenged to be who you were created to be. I hope you feel at home in this space and will join in the conversations.  I want to get to know you -what are your dreams, your hurts, your hopes? What makes you unique? How can I serve you?

Writing in Grace,

Teresa L Hardymon