Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

America, Culture, Personal Thoughts, Writing Spot

When I taught Intercultural Communication, this principle is one I always hoped my students would take to heart by the end of the class because traveling to three different continents than the one I was born on gave me first hand experience in how vital a lesson this is. Martin Luther King, Jr. says it best:

Make it Monday | Christmas

Bible, Culture, Family, General, God's Character, Holidays, Make it Monday, Personal Thoughts, Seasons, Self-care

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or so the song claims. I tend to agree, but also know that such expectation can often leave us wanting more. The wonder and magic of the season can get lost amid the running around, the shopping, the parties, the traveling. Not to mention wrestling with emotional disappointments, family drama, and personal loss. With so much riding on this season it is easy to let it drag us down when it seems like it should pick us up.

Make it Monday | Santa Lucia

Activity, Bible, Chronic Illness, Culture, Foods, Gender, General, Holidays, Make it Monday, Personal Thoughts, Recipes, Seasons, Self-care

Whenever I say, ‘Santa Lucia,’ I can’t help picturing – and, frankly, hearing – Don Knots attempting to sing the traditional Italian song as Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show. So many other, better singers have recorded it, but for some reason, Knots’ is the version that sticks in my head.

However, that was not my first interaction with the celebration known as the Feast Day of St. Lucy. I first learned about the primarily Swedish holiday from Kristen’s Surprise, one of the books in Kristen’s American Girl series. Being part Swede and part Italian myself, Santa Lucia Day has become a holiday that fascinates me.

A Writer’s Advent – Peace

Culture, God's Character, Holidays, Personal Thoughts, Thoughts on Writing, Writing Spot

It’s that most wonderful time of the year. But even with lights, family, presents, holiday movies, and great food, one emotion often eludes us: Peace. We can have everything on our wish list, but that settled calm seems to slip through our fingers.

Christmastime

Holidays, Personal Thoughts

Christmas is my favorite time of year. It is a time of light and warmth and family. For some, it is a challenging time of year, whether because of the loss of loved ones or because they are unable to make it home for the holidays. Perhaps this depth of realization of the things that really matter in life is what makes me love this holiday even more.