When Gary and I decided to travel to our young friend’s wedding in Northern California, I was excited to put some national parks on the must-see list. We enjoyed our time in Oregon, visiting Crater Lake. We even hiked to the base in the cold weather to view the epic blue lake from the rocky shore level. It was a breathtaking time, and I couldn’t get enough of the cerulean lake punctuated by the sole…
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That’s A Lot The urban dictionary defines the phrase that’s a lot as a situation in which the observer is overwhelmed by visual stimulation, smells, sounds, or anything pertaining to excess action. This time last year, I heard this phrase spoken to me as others learned that within a period of six weeks: I can agree now when I read it all in one place almost a year later. A lot was going on. When I was…
3 CommentsHappy Second week of Advent. I recognize the intense pressure of time many of us feel in this season, so I am sharing snippets of the few ideas I am trying to move through slowly. Reading, sitting, watching, waiting, and listening on repeat. You could sit with one of the quotes, images or practices for five minutes. Links are provided below. Take a break, take it in, and breathe out. Praise to the Lord the…
1 CommentHow about you? You too? No wonder concepts like rest, the Sabbath, and even something on the liturgical calendar like Advent barely gets our attention. I mean, really, who has the time? I will keep this short because, in this season of preparation, you likely feel the pressure of the lack of time. Consider this idea from Wayne Muller. If we do not allow for a rhythm of rest in our overly busy lives, illness…
1 CommentOn our recent family vacation to Williamsburg, we decide to splurge and reserve a table at the famous Kings Arms Tavern. This authentic18th-century tavern came equipped with a waiter with personality. Imagine. His name was George. George was vivacious and talkative. He was selling his wares and pitching his provisions. For our first course, we ordered the peanut soupe. George helpfully guided us that one would suffice the table for the experience. When my son…
Leave a CommentWhen I was young, I didn’t give much thought to marriage. I set my eyes on school and the Navy. While stationed in Rhode Island, I found a friend willing to risk deeper conversations with me. I recall one conversation with my friend, Tina, that served as a guiding, grace-filled word to my unfolding future. She asked me what I wanted in a husband. I thought about it and quickly answered. At the time, I…
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