Rules

One day at the Recovery Café, James raised his voice, disturbing others. This wasn’t his first incident. He was out of control and probably off his meds. “You have gotten yourself cut off from almost every place of support in this city,” one of the counselors said to...

Sugar, Sugar

Sugar, sugar, honey, honey You are my candy girl And you got me wanting you   Back in the 60s The Archies weren’t really singing about sweets, but I was over the holidays. I warbled to cookies and ice cream and pie – oh my! And wolfed them down. Oh honey, did I...

Obedience

“The flowers on the altar are given by Scott and Barbara in honor of their 37th anniversary and Hal and Shirley who celebrated their 64th on that same day,” read the announcement in the December 20th weekly bulletin for Bethany Lutheran Church. Pastor Tim Bohlmann...

O Holy Night

The Wednesday before Christmas, my daughter Jessica and I sat in a booth across from Grandma eating lunch in the Bistro at the assisted care facility where Mother lives. While Jess and I splurged on tuna melts, the dining room filled with residents and holiday...

Christmas Yin Yang

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! Isaiah 9:6   Sunday Morning Mary, Joseph, the angel, wise men, shepherds,...

Rhythms

Our first morning on board the cruise ship in Istanbul, Keith and I rose early, took the elevator to the 7th deck and walked into the World Café. We passed the coffee and juice bar, then oohed and aahed at the assortment of fruits, cheeses, yogurts and fish, wondered...