Scarcity vs. Generosity

A couple of years ago my husband and I built a new house.  My husband, Doug, is a creator at heart. It really isn’t a choice - he is always building something.  My youngest son Joel inherited this trait.  He loves to create things whether it is with yarn, or paper, or wood - he’s

Routine to overcome anxiety

Anxiety and loss have been very real feelings during this past year.  Being intentional about how I face these feelings of loss have helped me cope.   I saw a short video last week where a person who had struggled with depression in the past, shared that routines were an important part of staying mentally healthy. 

Deep breathing II

Sometimes I have trouble naming what I am experiencing as anxiety.  I bumped into a friend at the grocery store recently (well not actually, we saw each other from a safe 6 feet apart), and she asked how I was doing.  I answered.  And ended up in a brief conversation that probably made her wonder,

February anxiety busters I

I have mixed feelings about February. The good thing list includes lots of family birthdays: my son, my mom, and a niece and nephew (some cousins too!) All wonderful people to celebrate. Oh, and it is the month that holds Valentine's Day. I love an excuse for an little romance. However, the truth is, I

Snow muffles the noise

Snow capped birdhouse in a quiet field. I woke to the snow's muffled blessing of quietPeace - be still.Quiet all you ramblingsQuiet, peaceto Covid viruses and fearful mind wanderingsQuiet, peaceto political mumblings and reporter babblings Quiet, peace - be still.Even my busy boys settle down while the snow blows.The dryer rumbles a quiet tumble of

Book Reviews: Miracles and Atomic Habits

Two books I have read recently and really enjoyed are Miracles and Other Reasonable Things by Sarah Bessey and Atomic Habits by James Clear. Miracles is a moving memoir/spiritual reflection by Sarah Bessey. Some parts of this book read like a novel, where I was completely immersed in the story and couldn't put it down.

Holding Jesus’ hand

This is the image I am holding onto today. I am reaching out to hold the hand of Jesus, and he is reaching back and holding my hand. Sometimes life is tough and this is the only image left that gives me hope. Science and scientists can give us lots of scenarios and advice. For

Delicious, Quick Chili

This chili recipe is one I’ve modified slightly from its original in Esther Shank’s Mennonite Country-Style Recipes Cookbook. (Follow this link to order a copy: https://amzn.to/3mZ0cxO )  It is just the thing for a cold winter evening!  So tasty but also so simple.  Delicious chili, ready to serve. Delicious Chili con Carne 2 tbsp vegetable

Saying goodbye to 2020, and hopefully Covid-19

There is no doubt that Covid-19 has touched all of our lives this past year.  While there are some common threads for all of us (toilet paper shortage anyone?), our experiences of the past year have also been very diverse.  Some of us felt stuck at home with children who were bored and bouncing off

New Take on New Year’s Resolutions

I don’t like New Year’s resolutions.  Usually, I end up making a goal that seems perfectly reasonable and the next thing I know I am failing miserably.  I try to be more gentle with myself these days.  This year instead of setting a New Year’s resolution I’m trying for meaningful life rhythms. Okay, I realize