My mother was ‘on’ me all the time as a child. “Smile and say something nice,” she’d prompt. I remember being annoyed. Maybe I didn’t feel like smiling or saying something nice! So there. But here I am (age five) … Continue reading →
A few years ago my husband and I were browsing a gift shop in Cambria, California, our favorite getaway spot during our marriage. We had just had a simple misunderstanding that morning about something I’ve totally forgotten now but at … Continue reading →
This week while tidying my office I paused in front of this painting hanging behind my desk chair and remembered when I purchased it so many years ago. It’s not spectacular in terms of art but I fell in love … Continue reading →
You should see my desk–covered in colored sticky notes reminding me of all kinds of things: a deadline for an assigned article, a potential title for a possible new book, a phone call I must make, blogs to plan … Continue reading →
After my husband Charles died I decided to light a candle each day during my morning prayers and readings as a reminder that I am okay in the moment and always will be if I remember that God lives in … Continue reading →
I was browsing some reading material this morning, deciding what I wanted to focus on for the day when I came across this saying from C.S. Lewis. I decided quickly that this quote was enough to focus on for a … Continue reading →
Recently one of my children and I had a phone conversation about a situation in life that begged to be resolved. I don’t like to give advice–especially to my adult kids–unless I’m asked so we merely talked about various approaches … Continue reading →
I’m relaxing this week and I hope you are too! I won’t even suggest making a new year’s resolution. I simply encourage each of us to look back with thanks, and to look forward with anticipation, knowing that our lives … Continue reading →
The theme for advent at Twin Lakes Church (where I’m a member) is ‘The Thrill of Hope,’ from the beloved Christmas carol, “Oh Holy Night.” In the bustle of gift giving and receiving, parties, and food and drink, it … Continue reading →
As the Christmas holidays approach our thoughts turn to shopping and planning and singing and praying and cooking and wrapping and on and on. I feel the pinch already and it’s not even December yet. I’m also a bit ambivalent since … Continue reading →