I woke up on Monday determined to face the week with gratitude. I had a list of things I wanted to get done; the overachiever in me was excited to get started. First on my list? Get my dad’s Christmas decorations. I kissed my husband goodbye as he headed to work and headed to the basement. I was greeted by …
It’s beginning to look a lot like…expectations. You were thinking maybe Christmas? For me, it seems like Christmas also brings with it self-imposed expectations. I love the Christmas season. The Friday after Thanksgiving, my daughter and I carry Christmas bin after bin up from the basement. We carefully unwrap the decorations, spreading them out in the living and dining …
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. There will be an abundance of turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and on our table, baked corn. Many of us will indulge and find ourselves in a food coma on the living room couch. And many will also indulge in a day of thankfulness. We will turn our focus from social media, work, and responsibilities …
My normal walking route at home coils and climbs through a rural landscape. The three-mile round trip is one I’ve walked hundreds of times. I could do it with my eyes closed, although not a good idea for obvious reasons. I know every rise and fall, twist and turn. The landscape is familiar. I don’t need to rely on anyone …
If you ask someone, “What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?” most will share a tidbit from a friend, mentor, pastor, family member. Or maybe a quote that resonated with them. I’ve been on the receiving end of many wonderful words of encouragement and suggestion; and I’ve offered my fair share. Over the last few weeks, I’ve …
Autumn is by far my favorite time of year. I love everything about it. The cooler temperatures, the spectacular colors that blanket the ridges around my home. Football games, mums, and fall festivals. I love the crispness in the air when I hike or walk; it invigorates me in a way no other season does. I even love wrapping up …
My heart is broken for Israel. As I learned about the events of last week, the barbaric atrocities, the brutal massacres, I sobbed. Not cried. Guttural sobs where I couldn’t breathe and speak at the same time. I was overcome by a fear I’m not sure I have felt since 9-11. An inability to comprehend an evil so vile …
There are certain places that just bring us peace. Recently I spent a time at two that always quiet my mind and sooth my stirring soul. One is a state park near our home where my husband and I walk and hike. A few weeks ago, he was training for a half marathon and while he ran …
Just saying that word makes some people uncomfortable. Feelings are icky. Feelings are complicated. Feelings are for the weak. Feelings are to be managed, even suppressed. Men don’t cry. Women are overly emotional. You’ve heard it all. And I’ll bet you’ve even uttered some of these words to yourself. I certainly have. “This isn’t the time or place.” “You need to be strong.” “If …
Last weekend I lost years off my life as I watched our local high school football team hold on to win a very competitive game 16-13. We scored with a little over a minute to take the lead. Our opponent would have to go 80 yards to score a touchdown to win or probably 60 to kick …