I normally shy away from bringing up issues that have the potential to cause dissent.  Things that might be deemed politically correct, or “too” religious, or accepted by the wider culture we live in.  Except, the other day I was out running errands, and while waiting […]

I can’t say that I claim expertise status on this one, but I did recently hike in Zion National Park to the top of Angel’s Landing, which has had its share of deaths, so perhaps I can at least make the case for a little experience instead. When […]

Several years ago when we took a 6 week camping trip out West for homeschool purposes (well, yeah, it was also a vacation…) we stopped at a campground – in the dark – on our way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. When […]

  A few days ago, our cat, being… well… a cat, was out on the back porch toying with a newly-out-of-the-nest baby Blue Jay.  I opened the back door to distract the cat or step in if necessary, but to the cat’s surprise, the dog’s […]

A woman that I work with is leaving this weekend to fulfill a lifelong dream – she’s visiting the Holy Land. Widowed for 3 years, she’s understandably nervous, but excited too.  It’s been a struggle the last few years, and to say that she’s been frugal […]

  “Good thing I’m an only child.” I say that to myself a lot. Especially when I have to face some things alone. But the truth is… often, things are better when they’re shared. Right now, I’m exhausted and a tangle of emotions, and my […]

  I don’t know about you, but when I’m faced with a deadline, be it imaginary (which I am prone to having) or an actual date on the calendar, I start to question everything. Am I working on the right thing? Will it get done […]

Yesterday started out with a plan. A capitalized, emphatic P-L-A-N.  The kind of plan with a list organized with sub-lists. I had it all mapped out: finish Christmas decorations, start wrapping presents, make a couple dozen cookies so my son will have a bit of home for […]

When I was around 12 or 13 years old, I can distinctly remember having a conversation with my grandfather, that somehow ended with the words “I’m sorry.” It was probably a meaningless conversation along the lines of… “Did you finish eating the watermelon?”   “No, I’m sorry.” […]

I had a difficult and highly disappointing conversation with one of my sons the other day.  After ending the discussion, I was just…. wrecked. I try to remain optimistic most of the time, but some times are just harder than others, aren’t they?  I’m only human with limited […]