lifestyle-religion

An intern, Brooke, from Mount Vernon Nazarene University College of Social Work needed to include a cross-cultural experience in her placement with us. Just about the time she inquired with me, I got an annual invite to the Noor Islamic Cultural Center for a Ramadan “breaking of the fast” iftar meal.

When Lent and Easter follow so closely behind the Advent and Christmas seasons, I must admit, I find myself a little “holiday confused.” I walk into my local TJ Maxx (all-time favorite store!) only to find leftover Christmas clearance, Valentine’s cards, Mardi Gras beads, St. Patrick’s Day shamrocks, and chocolate Easter bunnies all in the same aisle. I am not sure what holiday to celebrate because they all seem to blur together.

In Mark 1:21-22, we read, “21 (Jesus and his disciples) went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, (Jesus) entered the synagogue and taught. 22 (The people) were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

I read recently that the heart emoji is the most used emoji of them all. I am a fan of the heart emoji. There is something simple, kind, and joyful about this ubiquitous red symbol. An argument can be made that it is overused and trite, but I would counter that messages of love can never be overstated.

It’s a common day with ordinary food, ordinary people, and ordinary situations. Ordinary for me is talking with little people, setting food on the table, giving hugs, wiping wet kisses, and channeling hearts from sunrise to sunset.

Christmas season has truly begun. I know many stores started putting Christmas decorations out Nov. 1 (or sooner), but the Advent season is just now beginning. These few days after Thanksgiving but before December are a good time to reflect and get ready for the chaos of the next few weeks.

I love Sundays; they bring their own sense of relaxation. Sundays at our house are set aside for more time with God and each other as a family. In a sense it’s much like a mini vacation; it gives us a breath of fresh air and rejuvenation for the week ahead. Isn’t it amazing that even God rested after six days of work? His example, coupled with teachings in the Scripture, gives us a day off with no feelings of guilt about all the work waiting for us.

Okay, what I would really like is an open house and host all of you for a meal, get acquainted, and the like. I know it’s impossible, but I won’t stop wishing for it. Daniel was bound and determined that we should travel to Ohio or somewhere closer to you to allow me to meet you. He was going to make it happen by this year, but plans have changed since he went to heaven. We’ll see what comes together- one day.

Owning sheep has been a dream of mine for years.

A gravestone isn’t something I ever gave much thought to, it’s something I thought was distant and in the future, but events last year changed that.