How About a Game of Osani?
I read a story about an anthropologist who proposed a game to an African tribe’s children. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told them that whoever got there first would win the sweet fruits. When he told them to run, they took each other’s hands and ran together, then sat…
Don’t Quit Mid-Stream — Go for the Big Picture
A dear friend’s FB post inspired me to write this blog. So many frustrations and disappointments held her captive to the present, the distorted, out-of-focus picture of today’s struggles. I get it. Sometimes it seems all hell has broken loose and we struggle to breathe in the midst of the heat — not thinking about…
Being Careful But Not Judgmental
I want to be very careful with my words today because I cringe with the thought that I could sound judgmental. I don’t get into politics much, though I am adamant in my position which I think is obvious for Who I follow — our Abundant Life Provider (John 10:10). Maybe I’m naiive because I…
Sign Me Up — I’ll Campaign for Him
In my email box yesterday morning was the news that the Democrats’ presidential primary debate (last night) was narrowed down to the top twelve who met the polling and fundraising criteria. Now the rest of the candidates who demanded a lot of media attention before, will be overlooked when it comes to presidential consideration this…
God Fills the Shoes of the Best Friend Ever
A week ago, I blogged about how important friends are to our well-being. Then, after being in a room of people that I didn’t know and feeling rather lonely amidst those who knew each other and were carrying on conversation and laughing, I gave that blog a second thought. Now I realize there may be…
Our Mission is Possible Wherever We Are
When you hear “mission”, maybe you think about Tom Cruise and his exploits in the Mission Impossible spy film series. Or, when you hear “mission”, you may think about missionaries in a third world country, dedicated to bringing lost souls to Christ. The truth is we are all called to a mission – right here…
God’s Grace. My Grace.
Maybe, like me, you’ve heard countless sermons and read books about grace. Maybe you know some of the “grace” scriptures by heart and can quote them to others. But my prayer is that we’ll see this word again for the first time. I think grace is most fully understood through our own experiences. Otherwise, it…
Need Motivation? Attend a Good Funeral
That may sound like an oxymoron, a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other, like “motivation and good” combined with “funeral”. Four motivational, good funerals were those I attended in the last four months because each one was a celebration of life of those who positively impacted the lives of their…
How Beautiful are the Hands and Feet of Caregivers
Yesterday, I attended the funeral of Aunt Iris Litke, my father-in-law’s sister. After 68 years of marriage, her husband, Uncle Hugo preceded her to heaven. Their son, Art, and wife, Sharon and their son, Michael, were her caregivers. I’ve admired their strength yet tenderness in the care of this precious woman who struggled with tremendous…
With a Little Help From My Friends
Woody and Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story” sang “You’ve got a friend in me!” There’s this thing about friendships. True friendships. Those friendships that pick us up just by showing up. And it doesn’t even have to be in person. It can be a phone call, text message, email, a Facebook comment, or a card.…