Comfort for Imperfect Performers
My husband’s favorite snack mix is a mixture of Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and raisins, which he mixes with olive oil and peanut butter and then bakes in the oven. When he takes it out of the oven, it smells so good. I could eat quite a lot of it. He’s glad to share […]
The Mirror of Truth
I haven’t thrown away my hand mirror. It’s beautiful antique given to me by a friend, but I’m spending less time looking at my face than I used to do. At first, it was because I did not want to see the wrinkles there. I’m not uptight about them, anymore. I’ve accepted them as […]
Cooperating with the Holy Spirit for Personal Transformation
I grew up in a traditional church where every Sunday at the end of the service, I joined the rest of the congregation in singing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost”. Yet, I had no idea of who the Holy Ghost (another name for the Holy Spirit) was. […]
What is God Calling You to Create in 2018?
“I’m not creative like you are; I could never write a poem.” When someone says something like that to me, I feel very sad. Not because I expect everyone to love writing poetry or to have the ability to do so, but because of what that statement implies. At the very least, it implies […]
How to Not “Lose Heart”
My husband and I have back problems, and it’s been a challenge to find a bed in which we can comfortably sleep. For several months, we’ve been playing “musical beds”–similar to the game of musical chairs. Finally, I think we’ve come up with the solution that will enable both of us to sleep with relative […]
Not Yet Sages . . . a Challenge to Keep Learning
You will understand it better by and by was one of my father’s favorite expressions. Now, I understand more clearly what he was talking about. Hopefully, I’ve gained a bit of wisdom. The Old Testament saint, Job, said, “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” Unfortunately, wisdom is not automatically connected with aging. […]
Christmas Irony
My husband John has written some amazing poems. He graciously agreed to let me share the following one, today. It’s one of my favorites, portraying a more realistic concept of the birth of Christ than what most of our Christmas cards and programs depict. More of his poems can be found here Christmas Irony Shepherds Palestinian […]
What Would Happen if Christmas Meant . . .
What would happen in a world like this If we stopped cursing and started to bless Those who have hurt us, those we fear? Who would do this? Who would dare? What would happen if we took a stand Against injustice in our land By looking first at our own hearts? Who could then […]
Our Ultimate Hope
Around Thanksgiving Day, I asked my grandchildren to send me a Christmas wish list. They have great expectations and hope to receive everything on their list. I’ve been working to fulfill some of their desires. Hopefully, they will not be disappointed. Guess what! By next Christmas, they will probably be tired of or have […]
Keeping the Conversation Going
Years ago I read a small booklet called Practicing the Presence of God. It was written by a monk named Brother Lawrence. He claimed to experience a continuous conversation with God; it was a source of great delight, and his character was gradually transformed so that he became more and more like Jesus. I longed […]