At their very best, traditions provide a rhythm in the passing of time and connect us to something larger than ourselves: each of us being one small part of a family, a community, a faith more expansive than our self, our home, our limited sphere. The threads of tradition tie us to generations past and […]
Holiday Traditions Read More »
I am a bit of a word nerd. I like to keep my dictionary handy when I’m reading, and when I crack it open, I can get so absorbed—there are so many delicious words to discover! Inevitably my eyes land on words that I am curious to get a handle on. Words I use, but
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, here is a poem I wrote for my town library’s haiku contest. As with the plants decorating my living room, love–the care and affection I have for my husband, family, and friends–is very much subject to my diligence in caring for it. Have you noticed this in your relationships, too?
Lately I’ve been starting my days reading a Psalm or two. Sometimes I peek out the window and catch a beautiful sunrise in the making. Today I was so blessed by God’s good timing…. I started in Psalm chapter one about a month and a half ago. Today I came to Psalm 74. “Yours is
Masks and social distancing have become such a part of our lives this year, it seemed appropriate to commemorate them with these ornaments. I know, you’re probably tired of the whole thing—the discomfort, the nuisance, etc., etc….. None of us really likes these precautions, important though they may be. Yet out of concern for the
The Best Offense Have you been offended recently? If not, maybe you have caused offense? Seems almost a daily occurrence in today’s world, right? Someone says or does something, even a seemingly harmless comment can get misinterpreted, and before you know it, someone’s been offended. It may even happen while reading this letter—that’s the risk
I love snow—sorry, not sorry! Tiny, sparkly flurries that meander, slowly descending. Big, fat clumps that plash on windows, blanket our lawns, and flock tree branches. Fresh and pure and white; the landscape seems brighter and cleaner—even the air seems purer. And we’ve probably all heard that no two snowflakes are alike. It’s a reminder
When Life Gives You Scraps… My Mom enjoyed a variety of crafts, but the piece-work of quilting was one of her favorites. She had a quaint applique piece in the cozy “back room” with one of her favorite sayings, “When life gives you scraps, make quilts.” This homey statement captures some of the qualities I
It’s been quite a turbulent year, hasn’t it? Many have said this has been an election like no other that we’ve seen. I’ve been comparing the recent turmoil with the social climate at the time Jesus Christ’s earthly life: emotions running high, polarized perspectives, hoping against hope, fears for the future…our recent times are reminiscent
Butterflies were one of Mom’s favorite things. Symbolic of change, they reflect her favorite verse: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) This verse is about change, an essential of the Christian life. Essential because God is all