Don’t Stop Living Before You Die!

I knew a man who was alive and vibrant in his church in his 30s.  He seemed to grow and connect with others in a meaningful way.  However, something happened in his 40s. He found his recliner.  That became his location for much of his life.  Sitting and mindlessly watching hour after hour of television.… Continue reading Don’t Stop Living Before You Die!

Learning to Finish What You Start

Many people start. Fewer finish. Consider what we begin: A marriage begins with a wedding. A student begins an academic program. A homeowner begins a do-it-yourself project remodeling the family’s kitchen. A person begins a blog. A church member takes on and begins a project for the congregation. Many people begin. Fewer finish. This past… Continue reading Learning to Finish What You Start

Life Can Be Exhausting

Life can be exhausting.   Think of what takes so much energy:
 Tasks to be done. (And, dealing with situations where the task was not done or was not done well.) Maintenance and stewardship of finances.   (And, dealing with finances when you have overspent and lived beyond your means.) Care and feeding of relationships. (And, dealing… Continue reading Life Can Be Exhausting

10 Things I Don’t Have Time For

Time. Does it ever pass quickly! Today, I am looking into the eyes of my infant grandson. Today, I am talking with his mother, our 28-year-old daughter. Today, I am having a conversation with our 23-year-old daughter about her upcoming wedding. Next week, I will get another haircut. I will ask the stylist the question… Continue reading 10 Things I Don’t Have Time For

What Kind of Future Do You Envision?

The other day I read a story about the relationship between actor Michael Douglas and his father, legendary actor Kirk Douglas. Michael Douglas is 65 and Kirk Douglas is 93. Kirk Douglas has been in 80 movies. Michael Douglas is a star in his own right. When Michael Douglas was 65 years old, he had… Continue reading What Kind of Future Do You Envision?

How To Embarrass Yourself Twice in One Week

I did it two times. Two! It happened last week when I wore a perfectly good pair of pants to work. Comfortable. Casual. Camel color. I had just arrived at my office for the day. I sat down in my chair. I heard a loud tearing sound. I looked down and the outside seam on… Continue reading How To Embarrass Yourself Twice in One Week

Beauty in a Housing Project

(The following post was written by my younger daughter, Jamie, who is a social worker. She recently witnessed a beautiful marriage–in a setting you might not expect.) My job as a home-based social worker allows me the opportunity to see very unusual or difficult situations on a daily basis. Once, for example, I walked into… Continue reading Beauty in a Housing Project