Doing the Work

  Yesterday Husband and I had the privilege of attending the piano recital of a pre-teen girl who, in spite of the serious obstacles of hearing loss and limited opportunity to practice, is faithfully putting in the hard work toward mastery.  What a joy to celebrate the progress she has made since her first recital last…

Empowered

  As a young woman, I had my life planned out for several years ahead.  I was nearing graduation from a three-year training program for international service and had been accepted at a prestigious college in the Boston area where I planned to finish my degree.  My Summer was to be spent in a study…

Keep Praying!

Do you ever feel like no matter how hard or long you pray, you can’t see any change in the situation or the person you’re praying for?  I think of my paternal grandmother who, I was told, prayed every day for my father to come to God.  She didn’t live to see that happen.  Then…

Nine Ways God Helps Us Overcome Worry

  I let one particular worry throw a dark cloud on my thoughts at least once every day.  The dread that this worry brings makes my stomach twist.  But I’m learning to identify the source of this worry. This isn’t God’s voice.  This fear-mongering is from my soul’s enemy who hates me and wants to…

When You’re Happy and You Know It

My friend’s childhood was characterized by a dead beat dad who spent time in prison, didn’t support them, had a trail of mistresses, and engaged in illegal activity in her home.  She was in high school before she heard her mother tell her, “I love you.”  And even that occasion was initiated by the daughter….

Stop, Look, Listen

Poor Husband was hurting.  He had just had a root canal, but we needed groceries for a family celebration and Costco was close to the dental clinic.   After getting the needed groceries, we grabbed lunch in the food court.  Eating wasn’t fun for him, but to his delight, a little girl at the next…