Most people who knew me well during my years overseas know me for my routines. I cleaned my house the same day every week. I washed clothes on Mondays, towels on Wednesday, sheets on Friday. I woke up every morning and had my quiet time. You could call me a creature of habit. I called … More Daily Rhythms
I know a lot of people who don’t like the thought of working for someone else. Maybe they’ve tried it, and long for the day when they can be on their own — work for themselves. It’s a nice thought, but anyone who runs their own business will tell you that working for yourself, is just … More For or With?
The passing of time marks so much in our lives — childhood, graduations, new jobs, marriage, aging, and even death. We remember certain dates on the calendar, as they’re tied to specific events. When my husband passed away, I marked a year of Wednesdays, as that was the day he left. Recently, I made a … More 150 Days
We can’t avoid being affected by the families we marry into or the countries where we live. I’ve always appreciated the view of my late husband: “I choose to take the best of both cultures,” and he did, becoming an Egyptian in America and an American in Egypt. Most people couldn’t figure out exactly where … More Blended
The First Century followers of Jesus faced some hard days. One of their number had been stoned, and after Stephen was killed, it seemed a rage poured out against all who called themselves members of The Way. The book of Acts says a great persecution broke out against the church. Then a moving verse follows: … More The Scattered
I have a vivid memory from my childhood, and it’s not a pretty one. While I don’t remember what prompted the outburst, I had a temper-tantrum in my mother’s presence and told her, “I’m tired of being good! It’s too hard!” I was obviously exasperated about something, and my parents’ guidance on good behavior had … More It takes effort
I was supposed to have a meeting at 5 p.m. and then rush to ESL class before 6:30, but I couldn’t figure out why no one was showing up for the meeting. Then I realized — it’s Valentine’s Day. They must have rescheduled and didn’t tell me. So, I had time to go home, feed … More This is Love
It’s been a day of contrasts. Much of my morning was spent with police officers and an unruly patron. My lunch was with a dear friend over tomato soup and quiche. My afternoon was caught up again with some of our regular patrons and a complaint aimed at a colleague, while my dinner was spent … More For and Against
Reading biographies and books on history not only remind us that there is nothing new under the sun, but helps us find courageous examples to follow in our present trying times. I find much to learn through the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who watched and lived through the Nazi rise to power in the 1930s … More Walk the Talk
I had a lovely lunch today with two Millenials. I only identify them first as people of that generational label because it helps to give perspective to our conversation. I’m a Baby Boomer, you see, about to face a numerical milestone of my own in a few days, so having the honor to sit in … More Transition
