Breakfast with a new friend, lunch with an old pal, followed by dinner and a movie with a very dear and close friend - That's how I spent my day! I drove home refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated after a full day enjoying time with some of my favorite folks! (I drove home full too!) And I did so, while reflecting on how blessed I am to have the friends that I do! Another close one is home today recovering from an extensive surgery. I thanked God for her healing as I drove past her house, and pulled in my driveway. "God is good," I said aloud as I walked into my home. "He's really, really good!" But how quickly I was reminded as I nestled into my favorite divot in the couch and turned on the news, that this world is - Well, it's just not so good now, is it? And ... View Post
“Deodorant” Simplicity
This will be short, sweet, & simple. Real simple. Deodorant simple. You see, I leave at 4:30 tomorrow morning to board a train for a short 5-hour ride to Chicago. My son attends college there. He has decided to stay for the summer and work 3 jobs to pay his way through school. I admire his work ethic and his determination, but I miss him. I think it was the right choice to stay for the summer and save as much as he could, but I miss him. A lot. Every few days, Ian calls home. He just wants to say hi. He wants to know what I'm doing, how work is going, what I had for dinner that day, and what I'll be spending my day off doing. He is interested in my life. He is my son, and I'm his "Mum." That's the best, most joyful role I've ever been given. And these are the ... View Post
Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Ingredients: 2 bunches spinach, rinsed and torn (bite size) 4 cups strawberries, sliced 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 Tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 tsp paprika 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds Directions: In a large bowl, toss together spinach and strawberries. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar, paprika, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Pour over spinach and strawberries and toss to coat. Serves 8. ... View Post
The “Boston Cooler” Man
Tonight, I received an email from a dear friend. She has a collection of Passion Talk DVD's from Louie Giglio, and knowing how much I enjoy them, she has invited me to watch them with her - A "Giglio DVD marathon" evening! And then she adds, "We can make Boston Coolers!" Now, if you are thinking right now, "What the heck is a Boston Cooler?" then you must not be from Michigan! You take a mug that you've kept in the freezer a while, then put a couple of scoops of French Vanilla ice cream in it, and pour Vernor's "pop" over it. And.............. Again, if you're asking, "What the heck is Vernors? or "What the heck is "pop?" Then, you need to VISIT the great state of Michigan! (I'm posting an article on it below!) Boston Coolers always made me remember my Grandmother, up ... View Post
The Day My Patient Died
She wasn't just any patient. Annie was one of "those patients." She was one of those special patients whose name I will never forget, and whose smile will forever be embedded in my memory! Indeed, my patient "Annie" and her sister helped change not only the way I "see" those I care for in a 12-hour shift, but the way I see people in general. She had no idea she did this for me, and I don't believe her sister did either. You see, Annie was an adult special needs woman, and her sister never left her side for very long. Patty had cared for her for several years, and she was easily comforted just seeing her nearby. And Patty was always close, available to hold her hand when she was frightened, knew just how to caress the side of her face to provide reassurance and comfort, and ... View Post
As Far As The East Is From The West
Have you ever wondered why the Scriptures say that God will forgive our sins as far as the east is from the west, instead of as far as the north is from the south? (Psalm 103:12, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.") I never have! Well, I hadn't until a few weeks ago! A friend brought this to everyone's attention in my Bible Fellowship class, and I have thought often about what she shared ever since. It is truly amazing what little "nuggets" the Lord places in His Word, and how He reveals Himself so personally to each of us (if you'll let Him). I'm so glad she shared this with us! There is an actual "north pole" and a "south pole," so that as you travel, at some point you are ending in one direction, and beginning in ... View Post
“Delightful” Abundance
I have this friend, and though she may not realize it, just about every time we share a conversation, I get to glean some wisdom from her. She is simply "delightful." This morning, I watched the clock waiting for an appropriate hour to call her. You see, yesterday my friend experienced an enormous loss, one that I was familiar with and anticipating with her. And though we both knew that loss was iminent, her sadness was inevitable, and so I wanted to comfort her - Because that is what friends do. She did share her sadness with me, but the conversation very quickly turned to "hope," as we discussed the great hope we have because we are believers in Jesus Christ. She then gave me the "delightful" details of her day yesterday - Dinner with a family who is (not struggling), but ... View Post
My Egg McMuffin Reward
Paying it forward. It's a lot of fun, and if you haven't done it - I highly recommend it. It's just fun to cheer people up, and those at the drive-through windows usually get a kick out of the gesture. And it's also fun to glance in the rear view mirror and see the look of surprise on the face of the person you just blessed. I've often gotten a big wave out the window. It's a nice way to start the day. But - What about when that "wave" doesn't come? What if the person taking your debit card for the person behind you's bill is absolutely stoic, and doesn't bother to say, "Oh my, that is soooo kind of you!" Does your attitude change to one of, "Wow, they didn't even say anything about what I just did!" Or, "Wow, they didn't even wave to say thank you." If that's your ... View Post