Category: Simply Soul Searching Blogs

HE MATTERS

(Photo by Toby Osborn on Unsplash) While out walking last summer, I came upon a young man obviously in a heated exchange with some family members. As I circled the neighborhood, I first witnessed him pleading with an older woman through the open window… Continue Reading “HE MATTERS”

MOMENTARY, MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY

Jim and I spent a day at the Cleveland Clinic this week, where Jim had scans and met with physicians to determine if he had any serious heart issues. We are now relieved and grateful to know that he does not need heart surgery!… Continue Reading “MOMENTARY, MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY”

MY GUIDING WORD FOR 2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR! As a new calendar opens, so do my hopes to live the year well. You may have heard of the practice of prayerfully choosing a word* each year to guide and inspire our ways of living and being. I began doing… Continue Reading “MY GUIDING WORD FOR 2024”

BEGIN AS BELOVED

As we reflect on 2023 and look ahead to 2024, I like to learn how others are planning to enter the new year. I have found a variety of ideas–resolutions to change, goals to pursue, things to surrender, practices to follow. Some see 2024… Continue Reading “BEGIN AS BELOVED”

DELIGHT OUR HEARTS WITH JOY: DECLUTTER

SUNDAY, WEEK THREE: JOY How will we make space for more of God’s Joy in Christ this week? What clutter obstructs our Joy? As you clear your heart-room, would you find a burden of responsibility, the monotony of a daily routine, a cloud of… Continue Reading “DELIGHT OUR HEARTS WITH JOY: DECLUTTER”

THE GRACE OF GRATITUDE

I am wondering… do you feel as I do, a bit reluctant to be joyfully grateful this Thanksgiving? I have many blessings–for which I am very thankful–but I am also concerned about those who are enduring terrible circumstances; the immense grief and loss from… Continue Reading “THE GRACE OF GRATITUDE”

REFLECTIONS OF GOODNESS–WEEK TWO

(Each November, Sarah E. Westfall invites writers to notice and share the goodness they find in the small moments of the day, using the tag, #liturgyofthelittlethings on Instagram. These were my reflections from the week.) November 9th READY FOR THE SEASON Nature seems to… Continue Reading “REFLECTIONS OF GOODNESS–WEEK TWO”

SUNBEAM MOMENTS

On a recent hike up Meek’s Mountain, I was pleasantly surprised to come upon these sunbeams lighting my path ahead! I regarded the scene as holy, and several familiar Bible verses came to mind… Your word is a lamp to my feet    and a light… Continue Reading “SUNBEAM MOMENTS”

REFLECTIONS OF GOODNESS–WEEK ONE

Each November, Sarah E. Westfall invites writers to notice and share the goodness they find in the small moments of the day, using the tag, #liturgyofthelittlethings on Instagram. These were my reflections from the week. November 1st On this All Saints’ DayI lovingly recallthose… Continue Reading “REFLECTIONS OF GOODNESS–WEEK ONE”

COACHABLE

When I began working as a service representative years ago, I signed up to play on the office co-ed softball team. I thought it would be fun to get to know my coworkers through a social outlet outside of the workplace. But I hadn’t… Continue Reading “COACHABLE”