My mother did not like her name. She went by Maxine, never Meta. I only realized how much she did not like it once I floated the idea of naming one of my children Maxine. My mom told me she’d disown me if I did. She never talked like that, so I took her at her word, which I always did because mom was plainspoken and truly said what she meant. I had my own…
6 CommentsCategory: Communication
Happy September! Do you feel the changes in the air? In my neck of the woods, cooler temperatures and a change to long sleeves and sweaters. I don’t always enjoy change, but I know it means growth. Tools help us grow. If you aren’t familiar with the Clifton Strengthfinder, I have used this online talent assessment tool with teams. I have found it helpful to recognize and maximize my strengths. My top strength is input.…
Leave a CommentYears ago, Gary and I became good friends with Navy Neighbors Bob and Kim while stationed in Guam. Bob and Kim were young in their faith journey and were excited to learn about Jesus through God’s Word. We had Bible Studies together, and on Sunday nights after church, we always went to Swensen’s ice cream, where we had what we dubbed a “whosit whatsit” conversation. We talked and asked questions about anything and everything, connecting…
4 CommentsWe usually think invitations arrive in the mail, engraved, and personally addressed, but every day, we receive invitations in the most unexpected ways. Recently I was asked by a teammate to go pick up some materials at a mutual friend’s home. Our friend is no longer able to help with the work. I said yes to go not just to pick up the materials but also to see our friend and personally express appreciation for…
1 CommentI am back in school this year. After twenty-seven years of planning and preparing for students, I am buying books from my required reading lists and posting replies to discussion boards. I have always loved learning but have preferred my own curation of books and courses. What that does not provide, however, is a community within which to learn. I am pursuing a certificate in spiritual direction, and community will be crucial to my learning. …
8 CommentsA beginning has its rewards. Most beginners experience the rewards of seeing changes happen before their eyes when learning something new. The advanced beginner needs to recommit to learning and unlearn when the rate of change slows and the skill development grinds to a much slower pace. I have been bike riding since March 2021, when the challenge of a reunion ride sparked me to resurrect bike riding. I didn’t think much about what it…
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