In the inspiring coliseum battle scene of the movie “Gladiator”, Maximus gives wise instructions to fellow warriors. “We will have a better chance of survival if we work together. Stay together. Stay close. Come together. Lock shields. As one.” On foot, with minimal armor, they overcome the well-armored chariot fighters by following the directions of […]
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 »
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
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 »
“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
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