Ever feel that bittersweet pang of remembrance when you return to a place from your past? Ever catch a whiff of a long-forgotten scent -- and find yourself transported back in time? Psychologists have a name for the way our physical senses attach us to memories and feelings: grounding. Grounding is powerful. The reason that subjects of sensory deprivation tank experiments start feeling crazy is they can't tell where they are or what is happening. They have no reference point. They are not grounded. So I'm sitting in dappled sunlight on the deck of my in-laws' home on the Continue Reading

Have you ever felt proud and embarrassed  about an area of your life all at the same time? That's me when it comes to  running.   I call it running, because my feet actually leave the ground in a bouncing gait which is unlike walking. I don't call it running because I'm moving fast.   I'd say a disabled turtle mired in molasses wouldn't lose too badly to me in a race.   I'm slow, okay? Really slow.   Still, I do pass people on the trail who are moving even slower than I am. (Granted, they are usually elderly or infirm or just out for a stroll, but the fact is, Continue Reading

So, embarrassing story ... I'm at Bible study, and the leader is explaining that when we share our prayer requests at the end of the evening, it's not a time to give advice. "Women love to jump in and try to help each other," she explains, "but let's just pray for each other." Right, I'm thinking. Got it. Yet an hour later, after we've prayed, I lean over to the woman who had shared a health concern and ask if she's heard of this one nutritional supplement I've had some success with. Oops! Apparently, I couldn't just leave it at prayer. Timing isn't my only issue when it Continue Reading

Debbie and Laurie were very close friends,  and as such, they supported each other in the ups and downs of life. When Debbie's ten-year-old daughter was tragically killed in an accident, Laurie rose to the challenge. She provided the emotional support her dear friend needed. Being there for Debbie became Laurie's focus for a season, and understandably so. But something subtle happened inside her during that time. Something that wasn't good for her heart. You see, every time she faced something difficult, Laurie found herself comparing her suffering to Debbie's. And her pain Continue Reading