Shining Light into the Darkness
Did you know that we spend 60% of our time listening? Unfortunately, most of us really don’t listen very well at all and we retain only 25% of what we hear. This lack causes all sorts of problems in personal relationships, at work, and even accessing everyday services like proper health care. Since January is …
Peace begins with a thought, an idea, a seed germinating in a heart that is watered with love, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, and respect for all life. Peace isn’t simply the focus of nine days of prayer; peace is a way of life. So, water the peace seed in you. Feed your heart with the smiles of …
Shattered lives, prayers for peace Yesterday in Connecticut violence ripped through 27 families, a community, and the whole nation. Numb disbelief settles on us as we imagine the horror of mothers and fathers who wailed through the night for their little ones sent off to school to never return home again. Words are so inadequate. What comfort …
Over a decade ago, sparked by my distress over the United States starting two wars in the Middle East, I began inviting friends and family to pray with me a Novena for Peace during the holiday season. Some might—and some have—called this a naïve gesture that won’t make a difference. Given the social unrest at …
The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing. . . not healing, not curing. . . that is a friend who cares.” ~ Henri Nouwen A number of years ago, I …
When our eldest daughter was a senior in high school, we got two pieces of news two days before Easter. My daughter’s financial package for the college of her choice arrived with scholarship awards included (yeah!) and my husband was fired from his job as second in command of a mid-sized manufacturing company (ouch!). It …
My son Bradford has always been one of those wonderful old souls who has always been wise beyond his years. Now just past 30, he has managed one of life’s most emotionally wrenching experiences with grace and calm. And he’s come through it without resentments, no why me, nothing but acceptance of life as it is, in all its …
I saw this photo of a quote regarding perception and don’t know the author whose wisdom created it, but kudos to her (or him) for this insight. Perception has been a hot topic for me in 2011-2012, the year of my grief. Though I, like everyone, have experienced many losses large and small none has affected …