Because the kids spent the night with grandparents into Labor Day, I had the rare opportunity to wake up to an empty house Monday and then spend the whole day alone. I can’t recall when that happened–not one person for 8 whole hours. The house was so quiet, I heard noises I’m not usually able […]
Gratitude
Reminders from the Community Theatre
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go see a play with my friend Kaylene. Another friend, Julie, was playing Clairee in the theatre production of Steel Magnolias. In case you haven’t seen the film, starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, and many others, this story circulates around the community of six women, bonded by […]
Noticing the Little Gifts of God
The Hanley family has talked for years about the fun memories made camping and how we want to carry that legacy on with our kids. After 14 years of marriage and several kids later, we finally said, “This is the year we vacation together.” Picking a spot somewhat in the middle, we scheduled our camping […]
When the Future Freaks Me Out: What about ‘What if’?
Several years ago, when our children were still preschool age, a spring storm assaulted our town. The tornado alarm on our weather radio erupted with abrupt concern and we knew a twister was coming close to our subdivision. Having no basement, my husband and I deliberated. Do we drive the five minutes to my folks’ […]
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How to be Grateful When Life Grates
Have you ever been grating a vegetable or cheese and gotten slightly distracted for a split second? All of sudden, you feel the ripping pain as layers of skin are shredded along with your food, blood quickly appearing on the surface. You run to the cold water faucet and press against the wound with a […]
When You Feel Frustrated with Life
I’m a recovering control freak. I’d like to keep the upper hand, but someone always has a little more umph. You know what I’m talking about? My circumstances rarely submit to my commands. Funny how life doesn’t have to listen to you. But, I’m starting to get used to it. And I’m ever-so-slowly learning that […]
Amusing Moments for Dad: Yes, You Are Appreciated!
Okay, let’s be real honest here: fathers often get the rotten piece of the pie. That doesn’t even make sense (who has had rotten pie?), but you know what I mean. The masses applaud moms and say, “Thanks for making the sacrifices, thanks for always being there, thanks for loving me when I wasn’t lovable,” […]
Misery, Party of One, Seeking Company
Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. ~Helen Keller Last night I watched a show that involved a man named Charlie. Charlie had been working hard for a group of lawyers who treated him like a peon. He made their coffee runs […]
Diary of a Wimpy Woman: Here by Thy Great Help I’ve Come
Today I graded an essay by a student recounting the powerful experience of seeing God work in Brazil. Along with several other people, he prayed over the locals that were sick, deaf, and incapacitated, and by God’s great power, they were healed. One older man requested prayer and my student laid his hands on the […]
When Poop Hits the Fan
Years ago, my parents’ farming neighbors decided to haul in a massive mound of manure. Why, I never knew. But, living out in the country, surrounded by cows, one takes the risks with smells and such; even so, this stench overreached anything they’d experience. I don’t know if there’s a law about disturbing the peace […]