I watched his eyes sparkle and his smile widen as we talked about the parallel between nature and the seasons of life. We have that in common, daddy and I – we tend to introspectively stretch our hearts to see God’s hand in everything. And nature is undoubtedly one of the most common canvases where our poetic veins soar in search of meaning for life’s highs and lows. At 87, dad still inspires me with his positive outlook on life, even though he has struggled with health issues for several Continue Reading
Perfectionism Leads to Frustration and Stress {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“The pursuit of excellence is gratifying and healthy. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time.” — Edwin Bliss John Quincy Adams is perhaps one of America’s most impressive leaders. No elected official held more prominent offices than Adams in U.S. history. He lived in constant pursuit of excellence, serving with distinction as the country’s president, senator, congressman, and minister to major European powers. He also served in the American Continue Reading
What You See Is NOT What You Get {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity; plans to give you a future and a hope.” Prophet Jeremiah, Old Testament. So many valuable things seem to be senseless or even worthless on the surface. Let’s take diamonds, for instance. “Raw diamonds” or “diamonds in the rough” are formed deep within the earth and often resemble lumps of pale glass when discovered. They have an oily appearance and no spark. In essence, for the untrained Continue Reading
A Reflection on the Pain of Betrayal – LINKUP {The Atlanta Journal Constitution – Palm Sunday}
Historians offer us a glimpse of the appearance of Jerusalem and its vicinity at the time Jesus entered the city on “Palm Sunday.” It was Passover season, therefore open grounds and perhaps the side of every hill Jesus passed by on his way from Bethany were covered with tents and temporarily erected structures. Even early in the week, every available inn and house inside the city walls would have been full. History is not left without certain data which give us a fair estimate of the actual Continue Reading
Absolutely NOTHING Happens by Chance {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Do you have any idea of the details of circumstances that had to happen from the beginning of time, so you would be exactly who you are, where you are, at this point in history? The question lingered in my mind while the preacher continued his sermon. I don’t remember who said it, if I heard it on TV, radio or at church. All I remember is that the question made me reminisce details from my life story which helped shape my character, direct my path and prepare me to do what I do Continue Reading
This Mother’s Day, Give Mom Forgiveness, Compassion and Grace {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
It’s Mother’s Day weekend, and when I started thinking about the theme for my column, I had a recurring thought. For the past several years, I have been in constant prayer about some mothers I know and their children, whose relationships are filled with unforgiveness, separation or constant conflict. In each of these situations, I can easily understand the motives behind the estrangement: overbearing and controlling mothers, children who neglect or disrespect their mothers, mothers who Continue Reading
