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 »
You notice someone juggling too many things in their arms and you say, “Can I give you a hand?” Why? Because you care, you want to ease their burden. Years of nursing has trained me to notice when someone debilitated is struggling to safely get to their destination. So extending a steadying hand I ask,
CAN I GIVE YOU A HAND? Read More »
A marriage not properly secured, will most likely unravel just as a knitted garment with a dropped stitch. Joel and I are celebrating the blessing and the process of 20 years of marriage this week. We recognize our dropped stitches have been secured by a source other than ourselves. There’ve been times of family laughter
KNITTED SECURELY TOGETHER Read More »
Personal gender conflict, sexual abuse and participation in violent acts cause overwhelming mental anguish and conflict in the mind. Chronic mental conflict leads to inflammation in the physical body, often resulting in disease. We’ve all experienced lesser anxieties involving personal relationships, finances, job performance or frustration in meeting personal goals. These anxious thoughts can cause
DO YOU KNOW THE POWER OF PEACE? Read More »
Amanda grew up learning hard work alongside her peaceful family. Kindness and responsibility were firmly embedded in her character. But words of affirmation and hugs were not part of her family’s love language. As Amanda entered adulthood, insecurities left her vulnerable to insincere words and physical affection. It wasn’t long before she found herself enmeshed
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? Read More »
This unkind visitor showed up unannounced, no tweet, message, phone call or e-mail. Temperature 102.5, muscle aches, sinus congestion tormenting my body, allowing me little sleep despite the pain and fever relievers. Through the long hours and days of the flu, I rested in God’s presence and comfort a whole lot more than when I’m
WHEN GOD BECOMES REAL Read More »
Am I following my one sided, often lonely unfulfilled self-direction? Or have I stepped into the creative, healing, satisfied place of God direction?
The warm flush of embarrassment began in my core and rose to the top of my head. Thoughts of shame, (“You messed up. Everyone noticed. You’re not good enough.”), attempted to distract me from completing the task at hand. What caused the self-humiliation? Singing on the church worship team, I made a false start. Self
WHEN ATTACKED, FIGHT BACK Read More »
