Cold Days, Free Days, Thankful Days

Posted on January 30, 2019 by

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Many of us in Chicago have been given two free days. Schools are not in session, so I’m not working, and my husband is, at this moment, in a Zoom meeting in the dining room since no one has left … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2018 by

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How can it possibly be the end of December? The years go by fast, and I suppose that’s because they are so very full. I used to think that life would be a little more serene after our children left … Continue reading →

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Christmas Changes Everything

Posted on December 20, 2018 by

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Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us. It is a miracle of massive proportions, but after a lifetime of celebrating the birth of Jesus, sometimes the meaning of exactly what he did for us … Continue reading →

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Parenting is Marathon, Not a Sprint

Posted on December 12, 2018 by

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I’m in awe of people who run 26.2 miles and live to tell about it. My husband, Dan, used to run marathons. He tells me that training for a marathon involves running a lot, eating right, and getting plenty of rest. Physically running for that long may not be in … Continue reading →

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Mentored In The Soul of Hospitality

Posted on November 28, 2018 by

My parents are the soul of hospitality, and their secret is not complicated.

They love people.

In the age of Pinterest, entertaining can seem a bit overwhelming. We think we must set a creative table, spend hours preparing a fussy appetizer and then produce a gourmet meal to be a successful host. I’ve tried it. It’s a lot of work, and if the host and hostess are exhausted by the time their guests arrive, hospitality will be the loser.

My parents taught me that hospitality is deeper and more relational than preparing a beautiful table brimming with inspired food choices. 

Continue reading at The Perennial Gen

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Misfits

Posted on October 5, 2018 by

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To fit in to a group means acceptance, belonging, and community. Every human being desires those things. I’ve always felt that I fit in well with my family and social groups, for which I’m extremely grateful, for those are the … Continue reading →

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The Whisper of God

Posted on September 28, 2018 by

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  There are times I wish God would do something stunning, jaw-dropping, attention getting, so that his existence would be undeniable. The world does not seem concerned with him. At all. At least that’s the way it looks to me. … Continue reading →

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Send in the Clouds

Posted on September 20, 2018 by

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Some clouds are lovely, but in general they do not carry a positive association. Dreary days, rain, and cooler weather are what I associate with clouds, and I would prefer beautiful sunny days. If I lived in a desert where … Continue reading →

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Have Faith in Times of Frustration

Posted on September 13, 2018 by

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September means a new school year for children and college students, a new year of work for their teachers and administrators, and a new start to church programs, volunteer plans and Bible studies. It’s a time of renewed effort; new … Continue reading →

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The Work of Refugees

Posted on September 5, 2018 by

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The people at World Relief have been resettling refugees for years, and I recently spoke with three of World Relief’s employment specialists, because I was curious about the work that refugees do. Barb Galli, who has been finding work for refugees … Continue reading →

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