Did you receive any unexpected gifts this Christmas that you did not appreciate? Do you have a trait you wish you didn’t possess? I did. Let me tell you my story. As an avid reader, I devour almost anything in print, except computer programing manuals. However, reading has not always been fun for me. I… Continue reading Unwelcomed Gift
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Feeling Drained?
Have you ever felt depleted? I have, especially during holidays. Today, I woke up drained mentally from processing all the activities of the week and preoccupation with all the tasks ahead. Maybe I needed a slower day to recover. It seems I expect more of myself than I can accomplish in the time I have.… Continue reading Feeling Drained?
Whisper a Prayer
by Charleen Burghardt “Sometimes the biggest prayers have the fewest words.” Tama Fortner I read this, and it resonated with me. I thought of how often I pray with few words but with a heart full of need. Elegant words or elaborate prayers are not needed to talk to God. Conversing with the One present… Continue reading Whisper a Prayer
Facing the Holidays
The holidays are here; Christmas decorations displayed give us the clue. I wonder where Thanksgiving went in the stores that concentrate on Christmas. I have not feasted yet on the Thanksgiving meal. How is your soul at this season? As the holidays approach, you may have a sense of dread about the upcoming days.… Continue reading Facing the Holidays
Do you ever need someone to listen to you?
“I just need someone to talk to and listen to me,” I said to myself when I was distraught. I suspect you can relate. Have you ever had a friend who is a good listener? What a valued and rare gem to have that kind of friend! Reliable, non judgmental listeners are hard to find. … Continue reading Do you ever need someone to listen to you?
Gratitude in the Mist of Loss
Are you going through a time of disappointment or grief? Maybe you areexperiencing the loss of a loved one, a lost dream, a defeat or another kind ofsetback. All these can bring grief and sadness. Sorrow can both crush us underits heavy weight and consume us to obscure our vision. Furthermore, we findourselves aware of… Continue reading Gratitude in the Mist of Loss
Unlimited Grace
Have you ever thought, “I feel weak dealing with what is going on, whether it be grief or challenging circumstances?” When that happens we are in an unsettling place of not being in control. We recognize we are not as strong as we would like to be. It may bring us to our knees in… Continue reading Unlimited Grace
Chaplain Support for Uvalde Trauma – Reflection
A few days after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, I volunteered at the Uvalde Memorial Hospital to provide chaplain care to the staff. The shooting on May 24, 2022, left nineteen fourth graders and two teachers dead. Caring for the victims left the hospital staff shocked and grief-stricken. The day I… Continue reading Chaplain Support for Uvalde Trauma – Reflection
Be Still
by admin|Published May 24, 2022 Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). This is a familiar verse but it is so hard to do. Being still means to be tranquil, silent, quiet and motionless, all that seems impossible. Our days are full of caring for children or other loved ones, demanding work, chatter and… Continue reading Be Still
God Has a Firm Grip on You
That’s right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you’ (Isaiah 41:13 MSG) Do you tend to think of God as impersonal or distant? Do you ever wonder if God can be in the middle of what you are going through… Continue reading God Has a Firm Grip on You