It was a sad New Year's Day for our family. I realize that in the grand scheme of things,  the loss of our favorite cat after more than 12 years with him is not a major tragedy.     Still, pain is pain, and losing Gizmo is not how I would have chosen to start 2016.   Maybe you can relate. Maybe you have experienced a loss that, by comparison, doesn't rate the highest in human suffering -- but it hurts, nonetheless.   Or maybe you have experienced a bigger loss recently. If so, my heart goes out to you. It's always difficult to deal with grief, perhaps never more Continue Reading

Ever find yourself telling a dramatic story about something that happened to you? The kind where you embellish details to gain the listener's sympathy?   Probably I'm the only one who does that.   Anyway, one time, I was telling one of my birth war stories, describing how emotionally difficult it was to have a C-section.   (Come on, if you've had a baby, you have your own war stories, am I right?)   Here's what happened: I am laying there, getting prepped for surgery, numb from the waist down, helpless and alone among strangers -- my husband is not allowed in Continue Reading

Have you ever experienced a moment of crystal clarity and utter peace? A moment when heaven beams down into your life, and everything comes into focus?   That happened to me two days ago. Just like other rare appetizers of future glory I've been blessed to taste, this one came unexpectedly.   Sunday night, we had gathered to celebrate an early Christmas with our son Sam and his new bride, since they will spend Christmas with Jameson's family.   After a sumptuous meal, we make our way to the living room to exchange a few gifts.   Picture the animated grandkids: Continue Reading

It's almost Christmas, the season where we focus on Jesus as a helpless babe lying in a manger, gentle, meek and mild.   But Jesus isn't a magic baby. He's our living Lord. And truth be told, he isn't so very meek and mild.   I've been reading Luke this month, a chapter a day. I want to remind myself again of who Jesus really is.   I want to listen to his words, life-giving and soul-shredding all at once.   It's one thing to live by the Golden Rule. How about some of Jesus' more difficult words? Here are some in Luke's gospel:   Jesus said we should Continue Reading