How to Preserve Family Snapshots

I have priceless valuables.  I’m actually rich, but my wealth is hidden away.  I guess it isn’t hidden in a very safe place, either.  In fact, in the quiet of the night, my treasures haunt me.  How can I keep them safe?  How can I pass them down to our children?  You might be asking,…

How to Preserve Family Stories

Minutia bores me. That’s my excuse for not finding out more about Husband’s family.  When we’re visiting with my in-laws, every time ‘old times’ comes up, the conversation deteriorates into lists of names and places that mean nothing to me.  I just don’t care who sixty years ago bought Mr. So and So’s place down…

Hi, there!

Meaningful conversations don’t just happen. Everyone’s default is to chat about superficial things. It’s much easier to yak about the weather than it is to open your heart in honest sharing. Not every conversation needs to be heart to heart, of course. But every conversation should be uplifting, encouraging, and truthful. Talking to new acquaintances…

My Compassionate Friend

Today I asked a long time friend of mine what it was like working at a Pregnancy Resource Center for seventeen years.  In answer, she shared this story: A young woman had had a positive pregnancy test and had come in for a first-trimester ultrasound.  My friend, a nurse trained in limited ultrasound, took the…

Giving Your Teen a Boost Up

  School is about to begin.  I’m sure you have mixed feelings if you are a parent.  You’ll be glad to have some time for yourself,  but you’re wondering if you gave your kids enough good memories to last till next summer vacation.  If you’re a grandparent, you might be wondering how you’ll be able…

Ashes

A few days ago Cuz called.  (My affectionate term for my cousin D.)  “Did you know that Cousin G’s house burned to the ground?” He had already let us know a few days prior that Cousin G and her husband had evacuated after a warning from a helicopter that an out-of-control Oregon wildfire was quickly…