When I was little, I remember watching my dad working on tractors, combines, and trucks. I would ask dad, “Is the vehicle broken down again?” He would say he heard something that did not sound right or the vehicle was acting up. Dad always said if he didn’t pay attention to how the vehicle was running or ignore the sounds the vehicle was making, it would cost him a lot more money to repair it later. Another memory from my childhood and as a young adult was watching the adults as they sat around the table discussing issues from planting, harvesting, or what was taking place globally. Sometimes we kids…

One day travelling, my husband and I did the usual stop at a convenience store to get our drinks and snacks before we headed out on our road trip. There was a man and a little boy standing in front of the baked goods and the man asked the little boy which donuts he would like. The little boy pointed to a variety of donuts. You could tell the gentleman was excited to please the little boy. I said to the little boy, “I sure like your glasses.” The man said to the little boy, tell her thank you. The little boy looked at me with an amazing smile. Then…

No Doom or Gloom This Lenten SeasonThis past weekend at church, Fr. Jonathan said, “We do not have to approach Lent with doom and gloom.” I am going to be honest with you, Lent is not my favorite liturgical season. As I read my friends’ posts and their goals on how they will be entering into the season of Lent, I am not at all in the same place.On February 19, 1985, my first husband was killed from a horse accident, the next day was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.During this time of my life I entered into my own Paschal Mystery1. Death2. The Tomb3. The ResurrectionThe first…

Often times the voice in my head can be negative and critical. Today in Bible study we were studying Proverbs regarding the mind, mouth and discernment. When it comes to our thoughts do we follow our head or our emotions? One of the gals gave us some awesome advice. When negative or judgmental thoughts come to your mind, run those thoughts through a test. Ask yourself if what you are thinking is it logical? Is is true? If it isn’t logical or true than you need to get rid of that thought. Here is an example: If you think you are not worthy for a great job, life or spouse,…

Did you know that the common form of depression and anxiety in our society is caused from being ignored by someone important in their life? Happiness for most people depends on how they are treated by their parents, spouses, relatives, friends, boss, and co-workers. Last week at church our teens learned about right relationships. I explained it to them it’s like this: I have a basketball and I throw it to you. It may be in a form of a text, email, phone call, or in person. If you do not throw the ball back (meaning a response) that means you do not want to play ball with me. I…

A few years ago I worked for a campus ministry near the university where we live. The student leaders and I would plan events and the typical response to our invitations were “maybe”. What I soon found out is “maybe” was a polite way of saying something better may come up. There is no surety with a “maybe” like there is with a “yes” or “no”. Let’s face it we all have been tempted one time or another to do the same. By not responding with a “yes” or “no” it is like saying I am leaving my options open so I don’t have to commit. It is important to…

Why are these words so hard to say? I think the reason is because it takes a tremendous amount of courage. To say I am sorry is to admit that I don’t have it altogether and that I made a mistake. Do you know we are intrinsically good? Yes we are, because we have been made in the image and likeness of God. Yet we are not perfect due to our fallen nature. Everyday we will have decisions to make to choose good or evil. One of the best lessons I learned about saying I was sorry was in high school, when I was studying for my driver’s license. My…

Have you ever wondered why people try to put you down or push you aside? I wonder if they feel insecure? I know there were times that I let my insecurity and pride get in the way. Especially when it came to someone who did things smarter or better than me. I would feel small and insecure about who God made me to be. Do you ever compare yourself to others? It’s not a fair comparison, because you are comparing your weaknesses to other’s strengths.Often times when you think you are lacking you begin to look at what others have and that is when insecurity sets in. So what is…