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As I sit here in the passenger seat while my husband is driving us to a friend’s surprise birthday party, I began thinking about the different drivers on the road. In keeping with my curious disposition, I started to contemplate the mechanics of the driving process and the motivations and reasons behind human actions when behind the wheel. I used to drive fairly aggressively and at times, I would “speed and weave.” Don’t get me wrong, I was safe, but aggressive. I think I did

Keep pushing forward, your halfway to the weekend! Stay strong, keep shining and enjoy the little things in life!

I don’t know about you, but I am grateful for the varied and continual learning/growing lessons I’ve experienced over the past few years. However, I find myself single-mindedly focused on a desire to spend my time solely with some of “my favorite things.” This past week I began to think of some of my favorite things, and I was reminded of one of my most treasured movies, and a classic, The Sound of Music . I really enjoy it, as it’s all about a family finding joy and happines

I’ve always known that there are seasons of life (or stages of life), much like the changing seasons of the year. I have also noticed that we have different seasons of life, from the perspective of faith. These seasons can represent different periods of growth, challenges, and spiritual development. I am finding that as I better understand these seasons, that it can provide me with a framework for navigating life’s experiences and finding purpose at different times. Over the

For many of us, 2025 has been quite an eventful year already. With the Southern California fires, tax season, changes at work, and most recently, the loss of my sister, life has been somewhat draining. This past weekend, my husband, niece, and one of our good friends went on a mini hike in the San Gabriel Mountains.   Initially, it was difficult to convince all to get up and go for a hike, as we had spent a few hours earlier playing Pickleball. However, once we got there, it

Have you ever thought about the importance of a name? The other day I came across a book that I purchased when we were trying to start a family, called The Name Book, by Dorothy Astoria ( Name Book, The: Over 10,000 Names-Their Meanings, Origins, and Spiritual Significance: Astoria, Dorothy: 9781556619823: Amazon.com : Books ) . When I stumbled upon the book again, I started thinking about the significance of a name, or each of our names. Although I’ve never been particularl

Last week I was reminded that our lives are marked with a certain frailty, as well as the importance of loving well while we are here on earth. One week ago today, I found out that one of my sisters passed away unexpectedly. Interestingly, my sister and I were “Irish twins,” as we were 11.5 months apart.  Ironically, we also grew up Catholic, but we’re not Irish. LOL. Side Note: As I shared previously in another blog, my sisters would tease me saying that our parents didn’t

In reflecting upon my childhood, I don’t recall any grandiose dreams of becoming a doctor, lawyer or another profession like that. I was, however, captivated by big trucks. It’s quite comical when I think about it now. When I was younger, the only thing I remember wanting to be when I grew up was a semi-truck driver (or as Louisianans would say, an 18-wheeler). LOL! I suspect that it was because I was enamored with the immense size of semis, and I especially loved the ones th

It’s hard to believe that my husband and I are already marking our 28th year together! I vividly recall when we first met. I had just started attending the young adult bible study of the new church I was attending. It was during our prayer time one evening that I noticed two attractive men. One of them was zealously talking about a scripture in the book of Deuteronomy, as his head was shaking a bit. LOL. (Note: For those of you that have not read that book, it is a bit dry, b

Yesterday I celebrated my birthday - I'm still in my mid-50's! LOL. Some may say that I am now an old geezer (but, not me), some believe birthdays are just another day (I disagree), some may say that I am wiser (Which I hope is true), while still others may say CELEBRATE YOU ! I truly believe that each of us deserves to be celebrated, especially on our special day. During my younger years, I recall my birthdays being purely celebratory. I enjoyed the presents, the cake and ic

What does contentment look like for you? For a while now, I’ve been giving serious and careful thought to being content (happy or satisfied). My desire is to be content or even keeled in any situation that I find myself in, and to find my strength in Christ alone. To me, this means being calm in the midst of chaos, being at peace when dealing with difficult people, or whatever challenge comes my way. A favorite author of mine wrote “Not that I was ever in need, for I have lea

Have you ever thought about a smile, what it means and what it represents? A smile can represent a natural reaction to joy, love, happiness and well-being. I think that smiling not only reflects happiness, but I am learning that it also triggers brain activity. It is our brain's left frontal cortex that registers happiness and joy. Haven't you noticed that when you smile, others smile back at you? Certainly, a smile can be a friendly gesture; however, I also think that you a

Quite a bit has happened since the wind and fire storms began in SoCal one month ago today. The following week, I felt led to write about lightheartedness, enjoyment, and playfulness in life. I am working on the latter one, trying to lead my life with childlike wonder. LOL! Back to reality. Amidst the unthinkable losses from the unprecedented disaster from the fires, I’ve seen and heard heartbreaking stories, but also miracles and signs of hope within our former Altadena comm