Television and movie versions of Bible stories usually repel me. I avoid them as either brutally graphic with too much blood and gore or too Hollywood, i.e. using gelatin to depict the parting of the Red Sea. But several months ago, my sister and I watched an episode of The Chosen. I decided to give …
To move forward with a mindset of hope, we may have to let something go. As Ann Landers once wrote, “Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” So …
She was such a tiny thing — this feral mama cat who suddenly moved to my deck. Black, with a couple of white spots on her face. A tail that reminded me of a possum. Hard cartilage. Not inviting to touch. She didn’t even look pregnant. Just hungry. Desperate. Why else would she dare to …
While printing off documents, my printer suddenly decided to morph into la-la land. Electronic devices are wonderful — until they don’t work. Frustrated, I tried to print the last document, not realizing what was happening on the other end of cyberspace. After rebooting, unplugging and still not printing, I turned everything off and quit for …
My church just finished a series of messages focused on marriage. I did not attend. Throughout my decades of work in churches, I have heard multiple sermons about marriage. Tips for how to love your spouse. Using the five love languages. Submission, submission, submission. Gag! While there was a time in my life when those …
One of the best tools for learning how to build relationships is the book, The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. When we know our love language and the love languages of our friends and family, we know where to begin. We feed loving hope into other souls. One day, I discussed love languages with …
Our family has suffered a tragedy, and we are all trying to process it. Last week, a favorite cousin suddenly had a cardiac arrest. No warning. Nothing wrong with her heart. Madeleine (a pseudonym to protect her privacy) was only 54 and in good health. She was bright, beautiful, a wonderful person with everything to …
Most of my reflection time is spent in the solitude of my home study. But occasionally, I venture into the world of people for a cuppa’ Joe. Accompanied by my journal, paper and pen to write ideas or work on another blog post. I am grateful we can meet in public again, sit in outdoor …
She was introduced to me as a stranger, this woman who shared the drive to a writers conference. But within five miles we connected, as women often do when they share about their broken hearts, lifelong dreams and always always — their beloved children. We discovered our common links: college football, country living, the love …
Weeping and gnashing of teeth. Wasted hours of precious time. A plea to God, “Help me fix this.” It was a snafu with my supplemental insurance. When I switched in February, someone did not complete the job. I was getting letters from the old insurance which I had cancelled months ago. So I called my …