Burs on the soul
As I was weeding a particularly overrun corner of the yard, I noticed that each reach of my gloved hand resulted in an array of burs clinging on tight. I stopped momentarily to pick the burs from my…
What to do with the grief
I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I lost most of my close friendships this summer. It was hard … and painful. What to do with the grief?? The last two weekends the air has been choked with wildfire…
Dormant … but not dead
Every summer the grass in the Pacific Northwest goes dormant … as you can see from the background photo. Our 9-10 months of continual constant rainy drizzle finally ceases (this year it didn’t cease until the end of…
Keys to Relationship – Prayer!
Never underestimate the power of prayer when it comes to the relationships in your life. Pray for those with whom you are in relationship! Prayer is powerful!"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my…
Keys to Relationship – Give it everything you’ve got.
As you look at the background photo for today you might notice some tiny little figures high up on the ledge just to the right of the center. This is the trail which hubby and I were hiking…
Keys to Relationship – Be present
There is a big difference between being in the presence of someone, and actually "being present." Simply spending time together with someone is not the same as "being present."Most often we are distracted ... distracted by concerns and…
Keys to Relationship – Be available
Let's face it ... it's not convenient to "be available." Usually when people need us the most is often those times when we are super busy and have a lot to do! It takes intentionality to "be available."…
Keys to Relationship – Be sensitive
Those with whom we are in relationship are going through a lot. Do we notice? Do we care?"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out ..." - Mark 1:41"When Jesus saw her, his heart went out to her ..." -…
Keys to Relationship – Have a sense of humor
Life is hard. Life throws unexpected curveballs. One of the best ways to develop a strong resilient relationship is to have a sense of humor - don't take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh ... even through the…
A Great Relationship Supports
We all need support. Life is hard! In some way or another, we all need support. This past July, when the warmth of the sun finally arrived, the beans in the garden began growing. We had planted “runner”…