Because of Grace we Press On
A few months ago, while hiking a trail in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan, I noticed how effortlessly our group traversed the winding paths over rocks, under broken branches, through groves of trees, and along the water’s edge. What would have been a challenging route a hundred years ago today required little more than … Read more
Have you ever glanced at something, and in a flash had a creeping feeling of dread? How can a split second of visual make such a powerful connection with your brain that, in a snap, moods are altered? This morning, I bounced down the stairs to my office – not in a falling down the … Read more
Do you ever worry? This morning, I told a friend, “I’m feeling anxious and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s worry for some reason. I’m not sure.” I recognize the signs because I’ve been here before. Maybe you have too. I know what happens when worry is allowed to fester. So, in case you ‘re … Read more
It was the night of bright lights and bling. New Years Eve – everywhere we looked there was glitter and sparkle and shine. Every particle of air held excitement and ice melted from sheer energy. There were smiles and hugs and the air was electric with celebration! No matter if 2016 was a good year … Read more
Yesterday we learned about Lucy. Don’t you love Linus? Let’s learn from him today. We are a blanket family. I’m literally mesmerized by stores where walls breathe thick towels, floors are spongy with throw rugs, and blankets spill off shelves. Blankets, though, entice me most and even though my family laughs at me, they are … Read more
Have you ever started your day from the moment of wakefulness with an unexplained sense of regret? Monday, I woke up disappointed; no reason, but the tug toward discouragement was obvious. Monday follows Sunday, the day of spiritual feasting. It didn’t take long to recognize the leading character in this restless descent into pessimism. While my … Read more
I have heard that when you ask a woman what she’s thinking, and she says. “Nothing” she is, in fact thinking about what to cook for dinner, picking up the dry cleaning, returning books to the library, sending a birthday card, calling her sick friend, adding to her shopping list, and fetching the kids from … Read more
I was having a blue day yesterday. Maybe not dark blue, but not the sunny sky blue that lights up the sky and feels like summer. It was more like the gray blue that’s tinged with sadness and muted joy. It’s not unusual to make the rounds multiple times in a week visiting gas station, … Read more
Recently, a friend posted an idea on Facebook that suggested starting a Joy Jar or call it a Blessings Jar or maybe repurpose a Thankful List to become a Thankful Jar. I decided to translate my daily ‘thanks’ to daily ‘blessings’ and toss them one by one into a Blessings Jar. I don’t want to … Read more