Category: Simply Soul Searching Blogs

“SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER”

My Reader Friends, I will be pausing my regular posts for these next weeks, but for all good reasons. The remaining summer days will be filled with family times, travel times, and more in-depth writing times! Thank you for your companionship here; I am… Continue Reading ““SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER””

THIS IS THE MOMENT

Several events from this week have prompted today’s reflection… On this day the sunshine and blue skies are dimmed by the smoke from the Canadian forest fires. I know everyone is deeply concerned for those who are more directly affected: firefighters, animals and habitats,… Continue Reading “THIS IS THE MOMENT”

SWITCHBACK WISDOM

As Jim and I hiked up Meek’s Mountain, I was grateful for the switchbacks that helped us gradually climb onward and upward. We would hike in one direction for a while, then turn around in the opposite direction as the trail took us a… Continue Reading “SWITCHBACK WISDOM”

THOSE FUTILE GRUDGES (AND AREN’T THEY ALL?)

When Jim and I first moved to this area, we noticed a sign posted on a lawn along the main street of our new town. We couldn’t read all the words as we drove by, but we gathered that these folks were angry because… Continue Reading “THOSE FUTILE GRUDGES (AND AREN’T THEY ALL?)”

LIMITING GOD’S LOVE

Years ago, the ELCA churches in northwest Ohio united for an event in which volunteers hiked or biked from one church to the next. The event was intended to foster connections between the churches as we prayed for one another and for our communities… Continue Reading “LIMITING GOD’S LOVE”

ANOTHER PRAYER FROM A STRANGER

My friend Debbie and I were chatting over cups of coffee when the topic of prayer came up. She mentioned my recent post* about my annoyance when a stranger stopped to bless me, and then asked a thought-provoking question: “What would have made the… Continue Reading “ANOTHER PRAYER FROM A STRANGER”

I DON’T KNOW HOW ALL OF THIS WORKS

I was walking at Valley Park with my usual slight limp that has developed over the years (the pain in my hip is from my crooked spine and the usual aches of aging). As I strolled around the pond, I smiled and greeted an… Continue Reading “I DON’T KNOW HOW ALL OF THIS WORKS”

THE HEART OF A SPRINGTIME GARDENER

We have a large, often unsightly drainage basin across from our house. Two years ago, as our neighborhood community considered using chemicals to reduce the weeds and foliage, I asked if I could plant flowers instead. I had recently seen a few rain gardens… Continue Reading “THE HEART OF A SPRINGTIME GARDENER”

THE GLOW ON THE HORIZON

The dreary dawn reflected my spirit – gloomy, discouraged, downhearted – as I walked this morning. Even as I felt grateful for the many blessings in my personal life, I grieved for the world. Every day it seems there is something new to grieve,… Continue Reading “THE GLOW ON THE HORIZON”

LOVINGLY LEARNING: RACISM

I recently read a thought-provoking blog post that has remained with me. The blog writer, Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith, asked this question in her recent post on the continued existence of racism (her link is below): If people knew better, would they do… Continue Reading “LOVINGLY LEARNING: RACISM”