Category: Blog

  • Getting Back Up

    Getting Back Up

    Do you ever have one of those weeks or months or more when it feels like it’s just one thing after another? One challenge or obstacle is resolved then another surfaces. Maybe even several at once. It doesn’t seem fair, and it’s easy to fall into doubt when that’s all…

  • Letting Go in Trust

    Letting Go in Trust

    Many years ago, a friend who was the business owner of the office next door told me that an employee had just filed a lawsuit against him. It was serious, so I was very upset for him. He seemed calmer than I would have expected, so I asked if he…

  • One Thing Leads to Another

    One Thing Leads to Another

    Have you ever started a simple task, then that task leads to another then another, and before you realize it, your original chore has become this huge project you didn’t count on? If it’s something like going through a closet, cabinets, or the garage, that action probably leads to belongings…

  • The Communion of (Our) Saints

    The Communion of (Our) Saints

    This Friday we commemorate All Saints Day and celebrate both the Saints we’ve read about and the saints we know. We are reminded of their devotion to God and the works they did in His name. We are reminded of their great examples of faith, love, and trust. And for…

  • Almost Missed It

    Almost Missed It

    I apologize in advance for one more reference to the changing colors in my neighborhood. This should be the last time! However, what I saw, hiding in the very familiar, caught me by surprise and helped remind me of a much-needed lesson. I once again walked the loop in our…

  • Still Hanging On

    Still Hanging On

    A walk through almost any neighborhood now will show the beautiful colors of the trees actively changing, welcoming the new season. I’ve noticed more than a few trees in my area that look like they are still ‘deciding.’ Though many shades of vibrant golds and reds are clearly visible, there…

  • Love with Heavy Hearts

    Love with Heavy Hearts

    I asked the Holy Spirit for guidance about this week’s reflection, and it didn’t take long for me to be led to what has been so heavy on my mind and in my heart. It is likely something we all share, especially recently. We are filled with worry and sadness…

  • What’s in the Background?

    What’s in the Background?

    If you went on vacation this summer, you probably took numerous photos. Maybe friends and family sent you photos of their special time away, too. Photos of scenery, of people, of monumental items or historical places. I’ll often select the ‘gallery’ icon on my cell phone and glance through photos…

  • Not What I Planned

    Not What I Planned

    A couple of weeks ago I mentioned a nice bench under the shade at the park nearby. Instead of just walking by it, I recently decided to walk to it—and sit awhile in the fresh air. I brought a pen and notepad to take notes on some ideas, but I…

  • When Company Comes

    When Company Comes

    There’s nothing that motivates me more to clean the house than company coming. Even though I know better, I often procrastinate, so my preparations are typically completed just in time. I of course tend to the obvious such as cleaning bathrooms, washing the pots and pans stacked in the sink,…

  • Be Still….

    Be Still….

    The nice cloud cover and slight breeze made for good conditions to be outside and take a good walk. So, as is my regular routine, I put on sunscreen, a knee brace and the right shoes, grabbed a house key, and pocketed my cell phone. Once at the park, I…

  • Of Scars and Healing

    Of Scars and Healing

    Well, I did it again. I just got another scar; this time on my wrist. I thought I cleared the top edge of the oven when I lifted out the pizza pan, but no. Now I have a nice reminder to show I wasn’t paying attention. It’s one of a…

  • A New Season Is Near

    A New Season Is Near

    Though it is hot and still very much summer, there are signs that the next season is on its way. I wasn’t really paying attention then realized I needed to start my evening walks at least 30 minutes earlier because it gets dark sooner. I’ve noticed there are a few…

  • Through the Steam

    Through the Steam

    Do you have a place you go to think, pray, or meditate where time seems to stand still while you’re there? I have a short list of places; one of them happens to be the steam room at my neighborhood recreation center. I look forward to going there following a…

  • Spreading Our Joys

    Spreading Our Joys

    While watching a recent broadcast of the Olympic Games, I saw a commercial that stuck with me. I think it was an advertisement for the actual Olympics, but I was so taken with the message, I’m not really sure what the commercial was for. The images and the comments were…

  • Do You Feel That Vibe?

    Do You Feel That Vibe?

    Did you ever just get a ‘vibe’ from someone? For being something so silent, it can make a powerful impression. On a recent flight, I was surprised to suddenly feel a certain vibe from the couple I sat next to. I was amazed at what I could tell just by…

  • Now I Remember

    Now I Remember

    Over many years, I’ve been blessed to attend several enlightening retreats and days of prayer. While there, I’m very good about realizing themes, prayers, and ideas that move me and with taking notes on them. In the moment, I am so impacted by the wisdom shared, I have every intention…

  • Christmas in July?

    Christmas in July?

    As I flipped through TV stations recently, I came across two channels showing Christmas movies this month. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I’m sure there are plenty of viewers enjoying them, so it’s probably a good programming decision. I haven’t watched any of the movies, but…

  • More Than a Walk on the Beach

    More Than a Walk on the Beach

    There’s something about walking barefoot in the sand on a beach. Since I’m near a beach so rarely, I found it especially renewing to stand in the sand and hear, watch, and feel the constant motion of the waves reaching the shore. I enjoyed a few days on a beach…

  • What Fills Your Cup?

    What Fills Your Cup?

    I’ve been asked more than once, ‘what fills your cup?’ It’s a handy question when discerning a career path or other personal course of action. In thinking of more practical things, I’d easily look to fill my cup with loving family and friends, a good job, a nice home, etc.…