So, I set out to write a book, filled with collections of other peoples' glimpses of God, and in doing so........... I get some more of my very own glimpses, PLUS, get taught a few things! Here are only a few: I always thought I was the only person on the planet who accepted Christ, and wandered for decades before deciding to FOLLOW Him. Not true. Turns out, not only is he persistent in His pursuit of our SOUL, He is also persistent in His pursuit of our ENTIRE hearts and lives. And, there are many people who wait decades, just like me. Every truly saved person has a "But God..........." moment. God knows us. He knows if you will listen to a song, if you will read a book, if you will watch a movie.... He knows our personalities, and He knows just exactly ... View Post
The Time Book – (Do YOU Know Its Balance?)
Before I left for the grocery store last night, I thumbed through my envelope system of budgeting. Utilities, Gas Money, Car Insurance........... Ah! There it is! GROCERIES! I removed the last $23 with yet a week to go before payday and thought, "Yikes! I'm going to have to RE-THINK my envelope amounts, and perhaps drop a few more bucks in here each month!" After frugally choosing this week's groceries in order to not go over that $23 in my wallet, I chose very carefully, even I dare say - Wisely! At the register, I chatted with the cashier who has been there since my boys were 3 and 5 years old. She shared with me that her brother just passed away, and then teared up as she said, "Rita, I wish I'd have spent more time with him. But I can't now." Upon returning home, I ... View Post
More Than A “Specimen”
I wish that I could describe just what it's like to visit Shryock Embryology Museum at Loma Linda Hospital. I wish I could adequately describe what it's like to watch young medical students graciously, and accommodatingly, walk out, so that the mother (me) of her child, whose soul is in heaven, but whose broken body sits, suspended in a glass jar, on a shelf, in a museum, could once more, count her fingers and toes. The woman who runs the museum greets me with a hug. She brings me into the museum, and closes the door. I get to be alone for a little while. It takes me a little while to find her each time, as she has been moved to accommodate other "broken" babies, whose parents donated their tiny little bodies, for the benefit of learning more about what causes such ... View Post
Those “Inappropriate” Nurses & Docs
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