Bitter and Sweet December
Snow! Blizzards! Freezing rain! Ice! Yes, it’s December and with the flip of the calendar, we suddenly face cold weather, threatening snow storms, unforgiving ice and the promise of a long winter ahead. Before this dreaded season comes to an end, I know icicles will hang precariously from eaves and trees, sharp wind will blow and leave me breathless and teary-eyed and my beanie bag will be heated nightly to keep my feet warm. I count the days until December 21st comes and goes. It’s the...
Read MoreLove Never Melts
There’s a story told of little Johnny who, when drilled by his mother following his attendance at Sunday School, shared his understanding [or perhaps I should say his misunderstanding] of the Golden Rule. With all the confidence and clarity of an eight-year-old, he proudly recited the verse: “Do to others what others do to you!” Wow! Out of the mouths of babes! A child’s point of view, something we may excuse or even smile at. Yet, I can’t help wondering if the verse was simply...
Read MoreMasking Our Fears
Have you ever been afraid…I mean really afraid…the kind of fear that haunts you and becomes part of your daily day: in your thoughts, in your conversations, even in your dreams? When I was a child, I shared a bedroom and a bed with my older sister. Most Sunday nights Mary would turn on the radio in our upstairs bedroom long after our light was out, and I had to listen to The Shadow. I say I had to listen because I really had no choice! My sister was four years older than I was and I...
Read MoreChance Encounter? Mere Coincidence?
“…I did not know what was in the program for this past weekend, the fact that you were there, with a workshop on writing was not a mere coincidence in my opinion. If the burden of writing a book about ‘survival tips for leaders in the public sector’ is in His plan, I hope I will become His tool in this process… This weekend, you, and your workshop shall be the beginning of this trip, and who knows where He’ll lead me” [from a participant at my recent workshop on...
Read MoreIs the Grass Really Greener?
“We never seem to be satisfied, do we? We always seem to want more.” A young woman said that to me recently and her comment prompted me to tell her a story. But before I share that same story with you, let me digress for a moment—as I’m in the habit of doing! I leave tomorrow for a weekend conference where I will be conducting a workshop on memoir writing. As in past workshops, I will teach that a memoir is a true story laid down with the understanding that memory can be faulty, that...
Read MoreThe SFJTD Box
The following is a reminder that hangs front and centre on my fridge door. Do I remember to read it every morning? Unfortunately, no…much to my disadvantage. Life gets too busy. I rush here and there. I’m late for this and that. I have excuse upon excuse. But this morning I read it! And when I was done, I wished I’d been reading it every morning! So, here you are…my gift to you this overcast October morning, having been reminded once again that the Son is always there! Good...
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