I heard it a lot growing up.  Maybe it was because of when I grew up.  Maybe it was where I grew up.  I am sure many of you also heard it passed down.  It is THE phrase/pillow/sampler/wall-hanging of the Puritan Work Ethic - “Idle hands are the Devil’s playground”.  It was frowned upon to … Continue reading How the Puritan Work Ethic and the 90’s Efficiency Movement undermined my Grief Journey →

You probably have a similar story of how/when you started to neglect Self-Care after your loss; I will share how the decline of self-care started for me.  I had a personal care routine, a very regimented one.  I showered every morning – seven days a week – and did my hair.  I had one of … Continue reading Why Self-Care is important (and how/why to get back to it.) →

We are all aware of the concept of “firsts”. We go through our first day of school, first day on a new job, first car, first love. We readily celebrate a lot of “firsts” in our lifetime. If you have ever lost someone very close to you to a terminal illness, you become very aware … Continue reading Life as a series of firsts and lasts →

If you are like me, you have never been particularly enthralled with the Old Testament. Sure 39 of the 66 books in the Bible are Old Testament. (46 out of 73 in the Catholic Bible.) But have you tried to read it? So much obsolete language and symbolism. Ok, I get that the Old Testament … Continue reading To Hear, To Do, To Go – a lesson from Leviticus →

I should start with an explanation; it has been nine months since I have written anything. I will start with – I got off track. I got busy and, maybe, not in a good way. Maybe you are on this same path and don't realize it yet; it took me 9 months and a lot … Continue reading Overtired and Overextended →

I have had the privilege to have some personal relationships with several pastors and their families.  A few of my late husband's best buddies were pastors.  So I have known this fact for a long time.  It still surprises me how many people don't realize it is an actual fact.  So here goes... brace yourself... … Continue reading A fact about your Pastor that may surprise you. →

There have been times when I could honestly tell you that I had Philippians 4:11-13 pretty under control. For the majority of my 30+ year walk with Christ, I think I had this contentment. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I … Continue reading The connection between Joy and Contentment →

Today it has been three and a half years since I was forced to bear the title of Widow. I thought today would be a good day to share some of what I have learned from scripture about this role. I have written it in a form that I can use to encourage my widowed … Continue reading Encouragement for the new widow from a widow who has stood where you stand →

Inspired by a Post from a dear friend, I want to add my “two-cents” and share something on my heart… For my Christian friends… Are you being a Pharisee or a follower of Christ? The Pharisees loved the law above all else and were quick to judge and convict. Christ loved God and us above … Continue reading Pharisee or a follower of Christ? →

Yes, plural - budgets.  When most people think about the words budgets and stewardship they think only of money.  We are called to be good stewards with more than just our cash, but I'm going to start with financial budgeting. When Taylor became ill, we went from two incomes to one.  As his cancer progressed … Continue reading Adjusting your budgets after the death of a spouse →