During the Christmas season we often read the Luke 2 account of the birth of Jesus. Many of us have already committed verses 1-14 to memory. And we rejoice in that final ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’ But another important passage precedes the […]
Finding Your Magnificat Read More »
The following blog post is a fan favorite. I offer it again this year to all my readers as a Christmas gift. Every year when I watch my favorite holiday movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, I wonder What happened to those characters after the movie? The creative curiosity imagined the following sequel. It’s a Wonderful
What Happened to George and Mary Bailey? Read More »
I know you’re busy. So am I. But I want to give you a Christmas treat — something you can enjoy all day. Here is my favorite Christmas carol, shared as a song for Christmas hope. Enjoy! And have a blessed Christmas!
A Song for Christmas Read More »
The colorful lights, packages wrapped with beautiful bows, Santa’s lap filled with happy children, the music of the season: all these joys spell Christmas. But what if we’re smack in the middle of grief this December? What if some of the joy is colored by sadness? How do we find the joy of Christmas when
Grieving During the Holidays Read More »
Because life is easier when it’s simple, I have decided to merge that principle into my holiday celebrations. What used to be a December filled with activities and the traditional holiday set-ups, I have now prefaced my plans with the following questions: Christmas Cards Although I love to send and receive greeting cards throughout the
Simplify the Holidays Read More »
As we begin the Thanksgiving season, I am grateful for sensory perceptions. Writers are encouraged to include the five senses in our manuscripts, and most of us do a good job with sight and hearing. But it’s a little harder to add touch, taste, and smell without sounding contrived. Even so, every year I am
Stuck. Between the third and fourth chapter of the gazillionth revision of my novel. Somewhere a segue exists but currently – I can’t find it. I know it will come – somewhere over the rainbow. But the frustration of the moment calls for a break from writing and a massive piece of comfort chocolate. As
Filling in the Gaps Read More »
During my birthday month, I am celebrating one of those significant years. Although I usually ignore my age, somehow this one feels more important than the ones before. A definite ‘aging’ reminder of how quickly life has passed. Growing up during the 60s-70s, we were often reminded of end times prophecy. Encouraged to be looking
The doctor I see for my acupuncture treatments said, “It’s 30% treatment and 70% rest. You need to rest more.” Rest more. This was the first medical professional who said I needed to rest. Less strenuous exercise. Less work time. More rest. It takes a while to stop spinning from a productive work ethic to
The memories surface when I visit our church members in various senior facilities. Not the fancier facilities that offer all kinds of activities and several levels of care. But the places that are the last stop before eternity — what we used to call ‘nursing homes.’ As I enter the door, my olfactory sense is
The Smells of Aging Read More »