For years I have been reluctant to use the word “happy” as a desired value. I think that is because, like love, “happiness” is misrepresented. From my perspective, intellectuals and religious models in my life have emphasized all things profound and responsible. Having been raised within a strict Christian context, being obedient, selfless, ambitious, faithful, …
Nearly every day some seemingly insignificant object or event offers a little life lesson, a spiritual truth or a personal meaning for me. I muse a lot. Today it was the grackles. If you were to say, “You must have too much time on your hands” I would understand. But truthfully, I have always done …
March’s 2011 Step-by-Step Newsletter article . . . It is not usually pretty nor is it pleasant, but from time to time we have all been “bent out of shape” about something. There simply are moments or even extended periods of time when we are emotionally and/or spiritually bent over or out of shape. Every …
Yesterday was cold again and for some reason instead of using my own treadmill or going outside, I decided to go the the fitness center for my work out. In the women’s dressing room there sits a very large set of white scales. So large, in fact, that they called out to me. No one …
One thing that amazes me is the power of pictures. I hope you enjoy this picture and feel a sense of wonder in being just who you are, where you are. It seems that this is what these turtles are doing at the moment. This photo was taken by my friend who is in …
From the Voice of An Ancient Shepherd… These days are times of stress, overwhelm, and fatigue for many, many parents. Finding peace and comfort can be difficult. There are so many voices to listen to that tell us how we should think, what we should do, how we should parent etc. in order to be …
Recently, I went for a midday run in a small, scenic park with a mile-long, paved path that circles a fishing pond. It is a peaceful setting. People of all ages and stages in life and health conditions come for exercise, picnics, rest, fishing, and connecting. Like a café, it is the kind of place where certain …