I’ve experienced pain. Headaches triggered through relational conflict, neck/back pain prompted by worried thoughts, and digestive distress initiated by fear. I say to myself, “Those people are messed up. Probably slept too long in the wrong position. Must be something I ate.” I’m learning to dig deeper to discover the real cause. The hard work […]
LEARNING TO GAIN FROM PAIN Read More »
I knew my digestive system was going to tell me it wasn’t happy with the cheesy lasagna and cream cheese frosting carrot cake. I managed to say no to the white bread and included lots of the fresh green salad served at the fabulous women’s event. I just happen to have a gallbladder that loves
FOOD THAT DOESN’T TALK BACK Read More »
The study was done and the evidence conclusive. In the early 1960’s, heart disease in the community of Roseto, PA was almost non-existent. Researchers converged on the town studying each person. Blood samples were collected, interviews done, social and religious patterns observed and dietary habits noted. Despite high cholesterol diets, toxic fumes inhaled while working
HEALING HEART DISEASE Read More »
In the midst of a major hurricane, human suffering and a fun family trip to Wisconsin, my focus became skewed. Some distractions were greatly enjoyed and restfully needed. Others tempted me to take responsibility for fixing. Getting out of my lane of responsibility disturbed my sleep, stole my focus and threatened an otherwise hopeful attitude
“Come look at the magic flowers!” I hurried to the palm tree bearing the blooming orchids as well as little red flowers decorating the trunk of the tree. I responded with a wide smile, “Beautiful, but why are they magic?” “Because they’re pretty and they make you smile,” said the little girl with an impish
MAGIC FLOWERS AND SMILES Read More »
Lilly’s 6-year-old body shook as tears rolled down her cheeks and a muffled cry escaped her lips. Morgan, the first grade teacher, had been explaining the word choices and the possible outcome of both good and bad choices. Sarah, the child beside Lilly, embraced her. Morgan bent down looking into Lilly’s eyes and asked, “What’s
PRAYER MOVES MOUNTAINS Read More »
Without an identity anchored in unconditional love, both young and old can be insecure, self-focused and sometimes angry. I saw it in Braden’s eyes when I asked,“Do you know God loves you?” “I was baptized Catholic, does that count?” replied Braden, barely old enough to have fuzz on his chin. “So, do you talk to
THEY’RE LISTENING, WATCHING AND LEARNING Read More »
My search for organic tomatoes, in the produce dept. of a TN. Wal-Mart, yielded not a one. Turning to the around 50-year- old male stocking oranges I asked, “Do you have organic tomatoes?” “Mmmmm, just these little ones right here. Does organic really make a difference?” he asked. I replied smiling, “I’m a retired nurse
ORGANIC TOMATOES AND CONTEMPLATIONS Read More »
I awoke to a frustrated and anger-tinged text from someone I will name Cassie. The text was meant to help me with a project we were involved in but I sensed indirect criticism of group members. I thought to myself, “Why is Cassie frustrated with people who are involved in much bigger challenges? I appreciate Cassie’s
WHAT I LEARNED FROM TINKER BELL, FIREFLIES AND THE TEAPOT Read More »
I don’t sleep well! If I don’t take medication, I can’t get to sleep. My aches and pains keep me up, so I might as well be productive instead of lying wide-awake! We’ve all heard these complaints and have probably experienced sleep disruption at some time. My nursing instructions to patients recovering from illnesses included, “Get
WHO’S THE SLEEP CULPRIT? Read More »
“God’s not real,” said my 4-year-old granddaughter. “Why do you say that?” I asked. “Because I can’t see him,” she replied emphatically. I sensed this wasn’t the whole story and questioned, “Who told you that?” She responded with the name of a school friend. We are easily influenced if we don’t know the truth. In
My 12- year- old neighbor, Sasha, has experienced occasional headaches the past several years. Corrective lenses haven’t helped as the headaches increase in frequency. Most people wouldn’t know. Sasha’s usually smiling, full of life and love, often ready to sing a song or play a game. So, last week when she called from school complaining
ILLNESS, CHILDREN, PRAYER AND JESUS Read More »
