September is National Suicide Prevention Month. I have an all too intimate knowledge and experience with suicide. It has left behind an ugly trauma that rears a hideous head from time to time, attempting to erase life and suck away joy. As a therapeutic exercise for myself, I wrote the bulk of the post you read today on Thanksgiving 2020. That day marked 13 years since my son made a dreadful decision to end his life.
Continue reading “Suicide. . . Grief, Healing, and Hope”
I have seen and experienced the devastation and relational destruction of the hoarding disorder. Because of my career in property management, I’ve worked on the clean-up of such homes. I’ve also experienced the relational fallout of a parent who struggled with level five hoarding.
Continue reading “Hoarding”
The title question is the first recorded prayer of Saul more commonly referred to as Paul after his encounter with Jesus. Have you ever wrestled with the question, “Who are you, Lord?” I mean really pondered it or even asked God as Saul did.
Continue reading “Who Are You, Lord?”
Recently, I shared with a young person that decisions in life are like coming to a fork in the road. The direction we choose sets a course for our life. No matter how we arrive at forks, at that point, we have the opportunity to make a choice that leads us on a path for better, or we can choose the road that will cause us to become bitter. Those moments are before each of us with every decision we make.
Continue reading “Fork in the Road”
One of the benefits I have gained from years of journaling is a record of spiritual mile markers. What is a spiritual mile marker? I think of them as a particular point in one’s life when you learned a valuable lesson about God and His character.
Continue reading “Spiritual Mile Markers”
I have been gone from the blog presence on an unplanned hiatus. Life slammed my emotions, mental health, finances, and my body. Hmmm… doesn’t that sound a bit like Job? Comparatively, my circumstances are not that drastic. Nor have I been thrown in a den of lions like Daniel, sold into slavery like Joseph, beaten and imprisoned like Paul, or crucified like Christ.
Continue reading “Not Crushed”
Those who read part one of Sprayed by a Skunk may be curious about the same thing my boss was. He asked me, “Have you ever been sprayed by a skunk?” My answer inspired a story that was later shared during the morning devotions at the Christian school where I was working.
Continue reading “Sprayed by a Skunk – part 2”
I once worked at a Christian school where all the staff were required to attend training. There was a small group so we carpooled and while driving home the school administrator asked me, “Have you ever been sprayed by a skunk?”
Continue reading “Sprayed by a Skunk – part 1”
Recently, I was invited to write a guest post for Devotional Treasurers. Alan Kearns, authors this daily blog that includes: a devotional reading and featured song. I am reposting my guest contribution for readers who may not have seen Alan’s blog. I included the song he chose to compliment this writing. Alan has a real gift with paring a great song selection with each of his devotionals. If music ministers to you in a significant way I would encourage you to check out Alan’s blog.
A dear friend and I enjoyed tea together this week. It’s been over a year since we have savored the pleasure of in-person conversation. It was wonderful to catch up with one another. During our conversation, I mentioned that the past year has been one of much growth for me. I stated that the process has been harsh but the end results are good. I was speaking of relationship changes amongst family, friends, the extra people interactions with foster parenting, and what God was doing in my heart.
Continue reading “Good Friction”