A massive earthquake in Turkey. Another black boy murdered. The diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer. Alzheimer’s. Kidnappings. The war in Ukraine. It’s enough to keep us from watching the news. In fact, I am limiting myself to only one short news show per day. Check out the 1440.com for an alternative. Sometimes life unravels a …
Since God is timeless, it is always a sweet surprise when I discover him working — right on time. A year ago, I bought a lovely journal to add to my stash. Never enough journals for a writer, you know. This particular journal caught my eye because the cover was a quiet country scene with …
When we wait on God for answers, it often feels like a test of patience. Throughout my journey, experience has taught me to wait on God. When I step forward too soon and try to force something to happen — it ends in lost revenue, additional stress, or a clunky mess. Then I am filled …
She was a lovely woman and an expert in her field — the stager who came at the request of the realtor. At the outset, she warned me, “I’m not here to offend you. I’m just doing my job.” I was prepared for her to move things around and give me some decorating ideas. But …
One of the joys of my life arrives every morning when I feed the birds. My place has a large deck where I’ve hung three bird feeders. Every morning, I pour out the seed, call to the birds, and watch these amazing creatures float toward me. Flashy cardinals, raucous blue jays with their silver details, …
We rarely think of the Pharisees as the good guys, in spite of the fact that Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and Gamaliel seemed to believe the message of Jesus. And who knows how many other Pharisees were secret believers. Yet, we can learn from these guys. Take some of their behaviors and flip them into …
“The days are long but the years are short.” According to Google — that great know-it-all in cyberspace, Gretchen Rubin is the author of the above quote. It perfectly describes how it feels to jump into a new year. I wonder if Rubin is a harried mom who feels as if she is working a …
A brand new calendar forces reflection on the passing of time yet also moves us toward new opportunities. During my “senior” season, I am finished setting resolutions. No more of the usual “less sugar, lose some weight and save more money” focus. This year, I want to dig deeper. Maybe it is the aging factor …
“Why do you have those red shoes on your tree?” Danhya, my little friend from India, asked me. She pointed to the felt booties that hung at the front of my Christmas tree. “Ah . . . that is a wonderful story,” I said, “and it began many years ago. Would you like to hear …
The calendar reminds us how the holiday season is approaching. Our waistlines expand while the stresses of family dynamics emotionally stretch us. As much as we enjoy the family time, the abundance of good food, and the reminders to be grateful — we also need to remember how stressful this time can be for someone …