During my youth, I hated complications. I would make plans, and sometimes, make alternative plans, but if I got waylaid with something unexpected, it was game over. I avoided trying to tell someone directions like the plague, for I could see the route, but the directions came out muddled. Don’t even get me started on... Continue Reading →
As a professor, I met so many students who had a poor opinion of their abilities to be more than just be average in college because someone had told them early in their lives that they were not smart, capable, or good enough to be successful. These are what I call premature assessments, decisions made... Continue Reading →
When my first wife and I lived in Africa, we started out worrying a lot about tropical diseases, especially malaria. Malaria is a tiny parasite that mosquitoes carry. You can sleep under mosquito nets, wear mosquito repellent, especially at night, avoid being out and wear long sleeves if you do, and finally take medicine to... Continue Reading →
One of the most wonderful aspects of being in Portugal was that everything that we needed, from groceries to medical care, was within walking distance. Â Everybody walked, including children. Many of the cars in Quarteria belonged to the tourists. Every evening, we joined what appeared to be the whole city in strolling along the boardwalk... Continue Reading →
One early foggy morning, I was out jogging as part of my effort to thin down. Slowly, I had become more fit and was not returning home as sweaty, and was having to jog for longer times. I had seen joggers carrying those hand barbells and decided it would help me attain more exercise in... Continue Reading →
Over the last couple of days, we have tried to find tomato plants that are already starting to sprout flowers. Douglas generally starts to plant his garden in late March or early April, but we were away during that time, so there is a mad dash to sow some vegetables, especially our beloved tomatoes, in... Continue Reading →
We are home! After a harrowing 27 hours of traveling, we finally are back in our old familiar places, and it feels so, so, so good! The trip that originally was for 75 days ended after 43 days, but the journey was worth it for the lessons learned. So often, we want to avoid the... Continue Reading →
When people ask me how I can believe in an invisible deity, I tell them that at the core of my faith is the miracles that have taken place in my life. I am convinced of the reality of God and of Jesus Christ through the ways in My life has imitated the Scriptures. It... Continue Reading →
There is such a hush walking through a magnificent redwood forest. The trees tower over you like no others, lifting the breeze far higher than is audible. A carpet of redwood needles causes even the forest critters to seemingly tiptoe while on their business. The only sound is the quiet burble of the stream that... Continue Reading →
No matter where I am, I look for the forest, especially in the Spring when trees that have hibernated during the winter, return rejuvenated with new leaves and new life. It is a lesson for us as human beings that we must find time to rest and be rejuvenated, if we are to be ready... Continue Reading →
Help from Heaven 