A fist of fear pummeled my soul. I was startled by its intensity and for several moments — forgot to breathe. Started to feel dizzy. Finally gulped draughts of fresh air. Why the fear? A doctor visit was imminent. One of those visits that might be serious or only slightly serious — depending on the …
Perhaps it is the coming of winter that causes moments of reflection. Or the new journal I use to record my thoughts. Or the writer in me who MUST write in order to process life. Whatever the origin, my reflection turns to a time-honored quote. Samuel Taylor Coleridge reminds us how the Jews honored the …
My hometown recently hosted an author festival. Thirty authors set up their tables, complete with vertical displays, dishes of candy and an assortment of books. After I set up my table, I roamed through the library and visited with the other authors. This library was the modern version of the old Carnegie library where I …
Patience is NOT one of my virtues. Yet it seems as I grow older, God requires more instruction involving patience. Once again, I sit in his school of waiting. When we wait, our first question is “When?” When will the answers come? How much longer do I need to wait? Is there a deeper purpose …
Typically, my blog posts cover the topics of hope, caregiving or the writing craft. But 2020 has forced me into a more reflective and almost urgent mood. For all of us, this year has been difficult. For those who have lost loved ones to COVID — tragic. The grief and certain PTSD will continue into …
My cyclamen bloomed a lovely fuchsia pink. But I bought it with the understanding that it would produce the dark eggplant purple color I love. What a disappointing surprise as the blossoms opened and showed off a deep pink. But a few days later, the blooms started changing. With time, the cyclamen blooms sported the …
As I drove home after meeting with a coaching client, I noticed a white van ahead of me. The logo of its business was printed across the back doors. Faith Panting. What? As I adjusted my progressive lenses, I realized the name was actually “Faith Painting.” Somehow the tiny “i” had disappeared in my first …
One of my friends is a man of great wisdom. When he speaks, I listen. Recently, I explained to him some of my struggles and the enormous question marks hanging over my life. “I don’t know what to do,” I said. “I’m a planner, and I need to know my direction. But it’s foggy.” “Just …
It was time to choose a new journal — to begin a new treasure trove of writings and daily reflections. I sorted through my stash and chose the one that spoke to me — sparkly with pink flower blossoms on both front and back covers. Then opened it to begin a new entry. A gasp. …
Her plaintive cry echoed through the car. A five-hour drive — interminable for a cat who could not understand I was transporting her to a new home. One of my sister’s rescues, Peppernut would become my latest cat, an adopted member of our family. “It’ll be okay, honey,” I answered her concerned meows. “You’re going …