Category: Travel
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ski vacation
Blinding lightGrey majestic peaksShivering snow. Powdery and perfect.Smiles through big blue tinted ski gogglesI can feel the adrenalineThe silence and camaraderieThe tiredness at the end of the dayThe sheer splendor of the mountains. My heart achesas I see these gorgeous viewonly in pictures. Is it jealousy?Is it self pity? I can only recognize the winter…
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Recharging socially
Dear God, help me discern my limits, help me take a break with ease and serenity, before im completely exhausted. Let your strength overflow through me. And may I serve You well through every act of service for my family, friends & neighbors. I am addicted to efficiency. But I am learning to let go…
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MVT 2024 – Valea Drăganului
Ne-am grăbit să ieșim din Cluj într-o vineri după amiaza de toamnă, anticipând aerul rece de munte. Și liniștea. Cu bagaje mici, ne-am urcat toate cinci într-o mașină și am început din mers poveștile de reconectare sau cunoaștere. În astfel de ieșiri, tot timpul aflam ceva nou din viața dinainte de copii, despre aventurile în…
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Gender identity
My 11 year old daughter asked two girls she didn’t know, who were waiting in front of the bathroom at the conference, if the bathrooms were all occupied. They answered with “this is the girls bathroom”. My daughter only responded with “I know”. She wanted to cut her hair short to be cool, different, and…
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Acknowledge the good in everything
Pay attention how you speak about the good and the bad in your life. Yesterday it hit me. Both girls are anxious about the long trip we will endeavor to take to Bosnia. And though they have never been to Trebinje, they anticipate crowded pools. Their complaining irritates me. But I think there is a…
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In good company
Introverts don’t try hard to be part of many groups. But something they do is follow through with what they committed to do. They get stuff done but have to rely on others to see the introverts who don’t advertise their skills. In the work place we learn to document what we do, market our…
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The youngest as the only child
My brother left for college when I was 14. It changed my life. I was the quiet kid, self aware, peacemaker, never getting into trouble, walking lightly through the house. The four years I spent in the home of my parents without a sibling were transformative. I am very grateful for them. This week Ivy…
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Packing for a trip
When thinking about what I’ll need on a trip, I live in anticipation and it doubles the joy of traveling, I always liked packing. As far as I can remember, I packed my own bags. I know some people need a list, so they don’t have to think about the necessary stuff. And I now…
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Naming that small fox
This weekend I got to read and be encouraged by a blog post and it made me reflect further on my own life. A wise woman builds her house, does not destroy it with her own hands. A seed of doubt was planted many seasons ago in my heart. In darkness and humidity, it sprouted…
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Goodbyes
A month and a half of family time. Sweet and real, challenging and emotional, hard and deeply beautiful. We are saying our last goodbyes. The girls have never wavered in their joy and delight of being here. Not even once. It gave me permission to feel all my emotions, and at times I wished I…
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Reflection on Brian’s Thursday question
Have you ever experienced a sudden insight or experience of God’s transformative grace when you were in a dark place?If so, what aspects of God’s character did you experience? Traveling far away to honor our parentsTo spend quality time of joy and celebrationAnd not come together when it feels too late for fun or connection…
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Practiced skills
I can bring myself to solve complicated math problems, from whatever state of mind. Even if I just woke up, or I am hungry or concerned or sleepy. I have had the practice of focusing my attention and doing what needs to be done. But I can’t write on demand. I studied science not creative…