I can’t swim. Oh, I took lessons at the Boys Club in Clifton, NJ… learned to float and doggy paddle. I loved playing in the water with my siblings and cousins at Green Pond, a lake in northwestern New Jersey where my aunt and uncle had a cottage. Didn’t even mind being in water way over my head. There, in the safe swimming section, we’d jump off the dock or have our dad toss us over his shoulder into the deep water. I loved it! But then… I almost drowned.
I was either 10 or 11. Our fam
Suppose tomorrow was your last. How would you spend it? I’ve asked myself that question after our Jenn died on June 30, 2003. And it’s with joy for a life well lived that we remember her. All that spring of 2003, I sensed the world was going to end that summer… but I kept pushing the thought away. That May, Jenn graduated with a master’s degree in psychology. In early June, Em flew home for vacation from California where she was working after her Houghton graduation. So, we three girls went to
The old red barn stood tall on an open flat, alone against the gray sky, a testament to a long life. It had weathered countless storms, looking a tad bit worn… another great photo by my friend Kathy’s husband, Hugh Van Staalduinen. And once again, the picture painted a thousand words that raced through my thoughts.
For some time now, I’ve felt like writer’s block has taken away my ability to write reflections, never mind the poems where words used to flow through my fingers almost faster
Father's Day... a time to remember the dads we treasure. They've taught us well in the ways of life. I remember a lot about my dad. In fact, it would be fair to say that I had put him on a pedestal while growing up... not a wise placement for anyone. But it seems he could do anything and everything, a jack-of-all-trades, almost perfect in my little-girl eyes. Though none of us can measure up all the time, there is One who is perfect... who forgives all our failings... our heavenly Father.
Maybe we don’t say it enough… those little words that mean so much - “You make a difference…” or “I appreciate you…” or “I love you!” Along with the words, there are ways we can show how much we care, and here are a few I’ve been pondering.
Since retiring, I have totally enjoyed a second “career” - subbing in our public school district, and noticed something right away that has been consistent… the welcoming words and smiles from staff on up to the principals and superintendent – words o
“You never think of your parents as much more than parents. It isn’t until you are older yourself that you begin to realize they had their hopes, dreams, ambitions, and secret thoughts. You sort of take them for granted and sometimes you are startled to know they were in love a time or two…. You never stop to think about what they were like until it is too late…” (Louis L’Amour in “Tucker”) Oh how true!!
The tomboy that I was while growing up in my teens, working and learning beside my
Ahh, spring! My favorite season! And hasn’t it been looking beautiful outdoors? Building on last week’s barely emerging florals and greenery, this week’s warmth and rain has showered us with bursting color! I love to see the signs of new life that slowly appear, almost imperceptibly, after earth’s long wintry sleep. To smell the fresh earthy aroma that follows a gentle spring rain is so refreshing, to see the grass almost immediately turning from shades of crisp tan and brown and dingy green to
There’s beauty all around us in even the simplest of things… if we just take the time to truly see.
Sometimes when the days were hectic and I’d get overwhelmed, just sitting in my gardens would help wash away the stress, like a cleansing of the soul, with time to ponder and pray. But in the depths of a cold winter, I’d set out sunflower seeds, peanuts in the shell, and suet… to quietly watch the birds descend on the dining bounty. Whether sitting in a summer garden surrounded by blooming
Impetuous Peter… the disciple like so many of us if we’re honest. I tend to speak quickly, not always giving as much thought to my answer as I should. My husband, on the other hand, would take time to formulate his reply. And I so often realized the depth of wisdom he shared in what he’d mulled over.
Then, there’s the side of us which is a bit miffed at someone’s denials of wrongs to protect themself. Does their conscience ever pierce their heart? Is there a snippet of guilt or shame
We’ve all heard the old adage that there are two sides to every story, and a classic trial brings that point out vividly. I’ve served on three juries in the past – one guilty, one given a lesser settlement than desired, and one not guilty. It’s an honor to be selected to sit with peers to carefully review and ponder the facts of the case as presented by the respective attorneys, and to be responsible for the right verdict. Certainly, some have abused the trial-by-jury system and condemned tru
There is One who walked this earth long ago, who shared this life, and who felt the same emotions we do… the One who walks this road beside us still. One who understands our fears and anxieties, telling us to come and bring all our cares to Him, to rest in His peace.
I suspect we tend to think of our Lord’s journey on this earth as one which was just as perfect as He was. We have the ability to look backward with Scripture in hand and see that Jesus’ three years of ministry were anyth
Sometimes we hold onto the pain from hurts long ago... holding tight to a grudge. It doesn’t do anyone any good, least of all us. It’s quite likely the other person has no clue why we might be upset at them.
Life is full of hurts and offenses… some are made accidentally without realizing we’ve done the offending, while at other times we intentionally get even with someone for the pain they’ve caused us. Oh, what a vicious cycle!
Then there is the pain and guilt we feel for our offens
There is no greater prayer than The Lord’s Prayer. Actually, it’s the perfect prayer… from Jesus Himself, given to His disciples as part of His great Sermon on the Mount.
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and
During the season of Lent, we tend to reflect a little more intently on Christ’s mission and sacrifice for us. Since He gave so much in giving His life to redeem us, it seems we could easily give up even a little for Him. Though the traditional idea of giving up something for Lent has not been something I have done, my friend and distant cousin, Carolyn, got me thinking more deeply about the season of Lent.
A few years ago, as Carolyn read her “Catholic Weekly” magazine with its daily d
Wisdom... that value within our heart and soul which helps guide our steps on this path called life. An entity more precious than gold. Lady Wisdom’s knowledge often comes from experience, by learning and gaining insight the hard way… you know, those mistakes that can either break or make us. She brings a common sense, discernment, shrewdness… an innate understanding of what’s right and wrong. But this sound judgment can be lacking when we become distracted or enticed by what seems so right,
Little lambs are so soft, cuddly and cute! In my mid-teens, my siblings and I were given a lamb which I promptly named “Lambie.” Very original, huh?! It was only intended until something better came to mind, but nothing ever did. She was a twin, abandoned by her mother and given to us by our cousin, Robert, from his flock. I didn’t know the breed, but she had light gray wool with a black face and black legs. Recently, one of my students who absolutely loves goats and sheep, and knows all t
Sometimes our best inspiration comes from the most unlikely place! With the admonition to be “in the world, but not of it,” we find ourselves living out our faith foundation among the world around us (Romans 12:2). After 6th grade graduation from Passaic (Pine Street) Christian School in New Jersey, my Dad felt it was time to live out my faith by attending public junior high. Despite the culture shock, I learned invaluable lessons.
Yet, I think we tend to compartmentalize “church/faith”
Blessed Are You… The Beatitudes, Jesus’ words of blessings to all who seek Him. They give us guidance on qualities of spiritual life that we should strive to live out daily. In effect, they are the reverse of what the world might consider valuable assets.
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He told the crowds who were listening that they should “watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them… A good t
What is love? We say “I love you!” to our family and friends … but we also say we love a book, a movie, a car, a new outfit, our pets. Is love found in endless glowing words of romantic emotion or selfless acts to please another? What makes love tick? It’s the minutes between the anniversaries that make the memories special. Writing for our 44th anniversary in 2018, I thought this poem and reflection would be fitting for Valentine’s Day this Friday.
My husband used to write me special
What our thoughts focus on tends to tell us where our heart resides. We may focus on our loved ones, our hobbies, fun and games with friends, climbing the corporate ladder, earning a vast estate, and collecting things… reminding me of the popular saying, “The one with the most toys wins.”
Don’t get me wrong. These are not, in and of themselves, inherently wrong. Instead, it’s the how and why behind that which we focus on. I’m no different than anyone else. I like my “things” – especial
Often, it’s in learning to accept the difficulties we face in life that we find healing peace. Yesterday being the second anniversary of Ed’s passing into eternal glory, I thought I’d repost this blog. We are not always healed of our illnesses or disabilities just because we pray for such. I treasure knowing Ed was made perfectly whole in his heavenly home… in God’s perfect will and timing.
Early one morning several years ago, before heading to another of Ed’s many appts, I stood on the dec
Today is National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. And this story is very close to my heart because someone I dearly loved would not have lived among us if the recommended abortion had taken place.
With the 52nd anniversary of January 1973’s Roe v. Wade abortion decision, I again share the story of a mother-to-be who already had two healthy children, a girl and a boy. This time, she was very ill with her pregnancy. Vomiting frequently, not able to keep much food down, she steadily grew wors
With the arrival of new snow to admire yesterday morning, I was reminded of this poem and reflection written several years ago during a big storm. Within this peaceful blanketing of snow lies the image to me of stillness before God, and contemplation of His goodness, grace and mercy, and blessings to each of us. And my prayer is that you are each blessed in pausing to contemplate the love of God toward each of us on this path called life.
As we gaze out at those white flakes floating down
Watching snow come down Wednesday afternoon, it resembled slushy raindrops that evolved into large flat white flakes that turned into a beautiful white covering Friday morning… and it reminded me of an old familiar hymn from childhood. “Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul; break down every idol, cast out every foe; now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow, now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psa
As this year draws to its conclusion, I began pondering all that I’m thankful for… among the many blessings God has showered on each of us. It’s been a good year of making new friends and appreciating friends from the past, of joining a new-to-me Reformed church group and their band, able to use my aging voice to share a love of singing praise to our Lord, of treasured memories of loved ones who were a special part of our lives for a time, of family who grace our lives with their love and presen
