I really mean, how are you? I’m not looking for a “fine,” “ok,” or no answer, I’m looking for a genuine answer to the question, how are you? If I take the time to ask how you are, I want to know the answer and more than likely have a reason for asking. “How are you?” is so overused. Most of the time I end up having to say, “How are you, no, I really mean how are you? What’s going on in your life and how have you been?” There is a series on Netflix called…
Normally I am very discrete about my faith and the power of prayer, to me, it is very personal. In my lifetime I have never before seen an epidemic like we are experiencing. I have been observing an outpouring of prayers over the past few weeks that I have not witnessed from non-church-related activities. These prayers are abundant and people are offering them publicly. We are witnessing an outpouring of prayers. It is because of what I’ve seen over the past few weeks throughout our community, our state, our nation, and the world, that I take a…
As I was speaking to a friend this week I found myself smiling and saying, “That is my happy place.” It is a place or moment where I feel my whole self relax. A time when I am at peace and often full of joy. I have multiple “happy places.” Although several are not locations, I still refer to those moments as being in my “happy place.” I cherish that time and make sure that I allocate time daily for those moments of relaxation. Some of my “happy places” I visit more often than others. That time is a priority…
What do I prioritize in my life? Is what’s most important in my life really getting the attention that it deserves? Are the things that I have been prioritizing really what is important to me? Now that we are experiencing social distancing, am I finding that my priorities might need an adjustment? At this moment some of us are figuring out how to slow down to the pace that social distancing requires, others of us are working non-stop to help support the necessary industries that work to sustain us. Both situations provide opportunities to think about what is…
What everyone is adapting to right now is larger than just us. It is not about me and my family. It’s global, it’s about the world in which we live. My head spins when I think of all the things that will be altered during this time of distancing (graduations, weddings, funerals, travel, loss of jobs, loss of businesses…). We will be forever changed by what we experience during this time. As I lead our family through social distancing, I try to be sensitive to how people react to the change. Many people will be going through a…
My father always taught my siblings and me to live within our means. Growing up we never bought anything or went anywhere unless we had the money in the bank to pay the bill. All credit card expenditures were to be paid off monthly and paying the mortgage off quickly was a high priority. My parents grew up during the Depression. Like so many, they knew firsthand what it was like to lose everything their family worked for and built. It was important for them as they rebuilt their lives to have security. I am happy that I was able…
What is it that I see around me? Do I see beauty or do I see problems? Am I observant of those in need and able to serve others? When I see people in need do I reach out a helping hand? Do I take the time to bless them with love? What is it that I see when I go out in the world every day? Am I aware of those around me or is it all about me? To one degree or another, all of us have issues to deal with daily. I am aware of my issues…
We all need rest in our lives. The length and type of rest we need may be different for all, but the fact remains that rest is our time to rejuvenate. Our bodies tell us when rest is needed, the question is whether or not we listen. I learned the hard way that I must set boundaries for myself, particularly when it comes to rest. It became clear to me that I need a minimum of 5 hours of sleep to function at a level that I desire. That would be the minimum hours of rest, of course, I always…
I have found that grace is a valuable component of my “toolbox.” When shown grace, it allows one to learn from mistakes, it helps one to get through tough times, and it is a cushion for when one acts out of character. When one gives grace, it provides someone an opportunity to succeed. I am fully aware that at any moment it might be me who needs someone to show me grace. My late husband showed me grace and it was one of my most memorable moments in terms of the simplicity of the action and the potential of disaster…
When I stop relying on myself, my friends, and my family; when I let go of control and rely on my faith in Jesus, all things seem to fall into place. It is very difficult to put my wishes aside and trust that the path that presents itself to me will eventually lead me to more than I could have dreamed for myself and my family. It is challenging to walk down a path that is unfamiliar and one that I think could not possibly be right for me. To accept the challenges that are presented to me and to…