An Old Testament story from I Chronicles describing the Israelites’ extreme generosity in giving their personal valuables for the building of the temple, filling the leaders with joy, caught my attention. First known use of the word generosity in our language:1566. Dictionary synonyms: * bigheartedness * bountifulness * liberality * openhandedness * openheartedness * unselfishness…
“We can count on death and taxes”, the saying goes, but in between is the parade of disturbing unplanned happenings that occur without fail. We cannot avoid all troubles, but we can be ready with ‘given’ pleasant, positive responses. Dealing with uncontrollable events: Mishaps, calamity, confusion, perplexity, complication, disruptions, turmoil,…
To and fro stepping has many applications. In Chicago, I paid attention as I walked to work, moving over for approaching three-abreast talking workers, a biker threading his way among pedestrians, a wheelchair being pushed or a yucky glob on the sidewalk to be stepped over or around. Making alternate…
“I’ve graduated from Physical Therapy class.” Eileen said on a recent speaker-phone visit. “Good for you, Eileen”, I praised. “As Valedictorian,” she added proudly and continued, “When I told Lynette the same thing, she asked, ‘How many in your class. Mom?’ I said, just one--me.” This gives you an…
When asked “Where do you get your ideas?” I respond with “From personal reading and study, clients, and conversations with friends and family.” At this point, I left my computer to answer the door for a friend who brought me a belated birthday gift, a small spiral note book—Scripture…
Alignment didn’t mean anything special to me until Jim and I married. We graduated from Moody Bible Institute on Friday night and were married the next morning at 11 a.m. in the backyard of the professor who officiated. He and his wife even hosted my mom and me…
Common distractions divert our focus--as simple as petting a kitty or walking a dog—and our attention is completely divested from what we set out to do; happens to everyone in various degrees. Some structured people attempt unsuccessfully to avoid urges, but spontaneous folk just lean back and enjoy the…
“Last night I blocked my sibs on line who were finding fault with any who disagreed with them. I just could not stand the arguments and disagreements that our family was having over our different church affiliations and opposite political sides. We were yelling at and criticizing each other. Our…