As someone who has spent years studying the creative genius of C.S.Lewis and his journey to Christianity, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I must admit that I was unaware of the tremendous influence his wife (Joy Davidman) had on his life and masterful body of work. One of the reasons why I enjoyed the book so much was simply due to the beautiful way it was written. Patti Callahan’s writing is art. She so vividly captures Joy’s life story and the many health and emotional challenges she faced early in life. Her description of Joy’s delightful first time experience of England’s beauty was exceptional. I often felt like I could actually see Oxford’s wonder and historical heritage as Joy was taking it all in. As a mother raising two sons while coping with an alcoholic and affair…
It sure does feel like our questions for God are growing beyond measure. I’ve lost count. News headlines leave us wondering if we really are living in such times. And yet we know the answer – we are. It’s all true. New York Governor’s recent law passage is very real. Gripped by it, we watched in disbelief that it came with applause. Decisions like these make us look to God for answers. It can’t be explained. Recently a terrible fire in my neighborhood took the life of a child and grandmother. A small candle sparked this senseless tragedy. Looking into our own lives, perhaps uncertainty is taking space there too. There has to be good news somewhere. Right? Sure there is. But often times it’s really hard to find. That part of us seeking to bring a thankful heart into…
A fantastic guide for finding ways to bring gratitude into your life and discovering joy. Chapter by chapter, Julia prompts with wonderful reflections on her own life to make her points feel more real and understandable. I loved the format of the book in that every chapter begins with a wonderful inspiration followed by questions prompting answers to what might be standing in the way of creating a life of “enough.” I have read many of Julia’s books and enjoyed this one very much. She is so honest about her own life and challenges she faced. I really like that about her. There isn’t any dancing around the issues. She is who she is and I admire that she is able to present her life’s story that way…
Candlemas Day coming on February 2 marks the very first time when Blessed Mary and Joseph bring Jesus into the holy temple. Forty days have passed since His birth. Mary enters full of joy seeking to receive her new Mother blessing. Joseph as always, is at her side. Anna looks on lovingly at the child Mary holds in her arms. All of a sudden the prayerful silence is broken. The loud cry of an old man’s voice echoes throughout the temple. “Where is He?” “Where is the Child so that I may behold him?” Old Simeon was waiting inside the temple for years. But this day was different. Something wonderful was taking place not far from where he sat. The sounds of a Child fill his heart with magnificent splendor. The infant Jesus. He goes from room to room frantically searching for where the…
I always begin a new year with a set of heart centered life “aspirations” to accomplish over the next twelve months. These are goals and experiences to challenge and enrich my life. Instead of resolutions, I define a “mindset” theme to remind and push me towards my goals. It is the big idea for the year. This year’s centering mindset theme is freedom. In 2019, I will work on freeing up more ways to bring serenity, growth and new experiences into daily living. With a freedom mindset , I can work harder to open more creative space into my day and set up the necessary conditions to be successful. It also means changing or freeing myself from a few habits that typically hold me back. When setting your goals, be honest about the areas where growth opportunities truly exist. You want to strive to accomplish…
