An amazing thing happened this week that reinforced last week’s theme of God’s unconditional love. I met one of His homeliest creations – the manatee. I don’t know what the manatee’s purpose is in the ecosystem nor do I need to. His value as one of God’s creatures is innate. Known as a Sea Cow, they don’t do a lot except eat. They spend approximately 50% of the day sleeping, and the remainder of the time grazing, consuming up to 10-15% of their body weight per day.* Sounds like a lot of people... 

I’ve had the privilege of spending a chunk of the winter surrounded by FIPs, or so they call themselves. FIP stands for Formerly Important People, though they use this acronym tongue-in-cheek. Sadly, for many, there is an element of truth behind that moniker that can’t be denied. Whether we are in the business world or raising children, don’t we all derive much of our identity from what we do, who we know, what school we went to, or how much success we’ve had – or not – monetary or otherwise? This thinking leads to...

Did you ever stumble over a seemingly innocuous obstacle? Not an unusual occurrence on the road of life. Many of us get tripped up by these kind of subtle obstructions more often than the obvious roadblocks that force us to stop or change course. I happened on one this week while using my husband’s car. Though my driving skills are often the victim of ridicule in our home, I’ve always felt my family’s mocking was grossly exaggerated. Unfortunately, this recent snafu....

Driving by a chiropractor’s office this week, I chuckled at his signage, “CRAWL-INS WELCOME!” I’m sure anyone suffering from chronic pain or even episodic pain would find his message alluring. I know people who swear by the healing powers of chiropractors, touting them as miracle workers. I have benefitted from their expertise on more than one occasion. The only issue is that they promote ongoing adjustments as the key to long lasting results. Perhaps I’m a cynic, but I was suspect...

With the first week of Lent under my belt, I’ve decided I finally found a fasting regimen that’s working for me – at least so far, which is longer than most of my past sacrificial attempts. This year I decided to give up something that will benefit not only myself but those around me; namely, talking. I heard something recently that prompted this decision. It was an observation that...

This week ushers in the Lenten season beginning on March 1st, Ash Wednesday. Many people celebrate Mardis Gras, but none with more gusto than someone looking at 40 days of abstinence. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday is when some Lenten observers over-indulge in their vice of choice: sweets, carbs...

What will people say about you when you’re gone? An interesting question, and one Rabbi Cohen explores in his new book of the same title. His premise was prompted by a funeral he attended. As he left, he considered the eulogy and wondered what his would sound like. Having faced my own mortality, it’s a question I’ve pondered on more than one occasion and precipitated a conscious decision to change certain things in my life. Without a doubt, when facing your own demise....

During an impromptu visit to my parents last week, I met members of their "prayer group." They had just returned from Mass, and I found them in the pool house chatting and simply enjoying each other’s company. I refer to them as a prayer group they regaled me with stories...

My husband purchased a new jacket recently. Actually, I don’t know when he bought it. He likes to sneak them in the house and not wear them for a while so he doesn’t have to lie when I ask him, “Is that new?” At which point he responds with an innocent, “No, I’ve had this for a while.” Anyway, buying a jacket isn’t noteworthy by anyone’s standard...

Good riddance 2016. I can’t say I’m sorry to put last year to bed. I now know what Queen Elizabeth meant when she coined the phrase “Annus Horribilis” when referring to 1992. Though it sounds like something you might treat with Preparation H, Wikipedia defines Annus Horribilis as a Latin phrase meaning "horrible year." That said, 2016 wasn’t all bad. There were highlights for sure....

There’s been some contention in our family over the years regarding the timing of cutting the power to my husband’s Christmas light extravaganza. Last year Bob announced he was going to drive around conducting his own informal survey to see how many houses were still lit. As my mom used to say...

Just a brief follow up regarding last week’s “lighting.” Who knew lighting an Advent wreath could cause such anxiety? My husband was up all night on Saturday angsting and strategizing the order of who was to speak and when. He also had a dream that Hannah showed up in sneakers. I had my own nightmares....

Our family is lighting the Advent wreath at church this morning. We were invited to participate prior to my nephew’s tragic death. However, in light of recent events, I can’t think of a more appropriate year for us to be chosen for this privilege. Ordinarily, I don’t think my grown children would have agreed (it is a 9AM service), but...

Presciently, Wednesday, November 30th, I was doing what I’m usually doing the night before Bible study – late night cramming for Thursday’s class. I was blissfully unaware how much I would need that lesson, particularly this passage I highlighted for future reference....

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving I strategically scheduled minor surgery to repair a trigger finger. For insurance purposes it had to be done by the end of the year, so I took advantage of the opportunity to skip KP duty for the holiday. Plus, my right hand needs to be functioning properly before the Christmas onslaught of relatives when I'll be on KP duty for three days. Physical therapy began the morning following the procedure. I was given an exercise program to rehab my hand – on my own. Here’s the issue....

I thought the following story would be an excellent way to end the Thanksgiving weekend and usher in the first Sunday of Advent. I’ve much to be thankful for, but being picked from the patch is definitely at the top of my list. 

Based on what I’ve been reading and hearing, anxiety has become an epidemic in our country. Considering the vitriol we’ve been exposed to for the past 18 months, I’m not surprised. As bad as it was, Clinton and Trump are not the moving force behind the escalating anxiety that plagues our country....

A number of people I know have recently lost loved ones. I’ve been praying for one in particular who is burdened with anger and bitterness. The same day I began lifting him up in prayer I found myself behind an elderly woman at Kinkos. As I was waiting my turn, I asked her what kind of project she was working on. Ironically, she was printing cards to be distributed to those who have suffered a loss in their life....

One of my devotionals this week posed this question: “If you were asked to use one word to describe the Christian life, which one would you choose?” I was surprised by the author’s answer: good works. While service is certainly an integral component of the Christian life, works wouldn’t be the word I’d pick. Mine would most definitely be JOY. Too many Christians sleepwalk....

I am traveling this week but thought I’d pass along a devotional I read recently which seemed apropos. It comes from a gem of a book I picked up at CVS while waiting to check out. That decision turned out to be a wise choice indeed as I’ve enjoyed it immensely. The name is Once a Day Every Day for Women by Criswell Freeman. I’m not sure why....