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Encouragement, Health, Life Is Beautiful

The Sweetness of Doing Nothing

The sweetness of doing nothing…isn’t that phrase in and of itself a sweet sound to the ears? For me, and I’m sure for many, it’s a puzzling concept. Doing nothing? And it’s sweet? But when you unpack the words, they become even more lovely.  I find it nearly impossible to do nothing. Even when I’m semi-relaxing by watching TV or reading a book, I have to feel as though I’m accomplishing something at the same time. I may turn on a movie, but I need to have the dishwasher or washing machine going or I’m folding a load of laundry, sometimes doing all three.

When in Rome, I noticed a marked ease about their lifestyle. There wasn’t the hurried pace we often feel here in our lives. Many people could be seen relaxing with friends over a meal…in the middle of the day. Some stores closed down entirely for the lunch hour, not something I’ve often seen happen here. The casual feeling, I’ll admit, was quite appealing.  The lovely Romans seem to savor more:  Food. Drink. The present company. Time. Continue Reading

Health, Life Is Beautiful

Could You Be One of the Sister Wives?

Have you ever watched Sister Wives on The Learning Channel (TLC)? I’ll admit, I’m a regular viewer. I don’t watch it because I believe in their lifestyle. I actually don’t agree with it. Likewise, I don’t watch it to ridicule them. I watch it because I think they’re lovely people (from what we see each week) and I don’t understand how they choose to live, but different lifestyles and cultures intrigue me.

I can certainly see the appeal of a built-in support system they have as sister wives. What mother wouldn’t enjoy having three trusted babysitters available to help at a moment’s notice within very close proximity to your home? As well, who wouldn’t love having three close confidants who love and protect your children and whose children you love and protect? What I don’t understand and never will, is the the willingness to share a husband.  Continue Reading

Encouragement, Health, Life Is Beautiful

The Miracle of Premature Birth

God is good. It’s a simple phrase of three words that we hear often. It’s usually followed by “all the time.” Right now, for me, the phrase reminds me of a raw fear I felt 13 years ago at this time. Thirteen years ago on this day, I was a few days post-op from having my first Crohn’s-related surgery.

It had been a painful time leading up to this emergent surgery. I had months earlier happily discovered I was expecting my second child, something I had been hoping for. I knew almost as soon as the early pregnancy test showed a faint positive that Fourth of July, that this pregnancy was very different from my first.

I was sick…morning, noon, and night sickness for three months that ended when the real pain began. I had such severe abdominal pain that by the time evening arrived each day, I was literally crawling to bed because I was in too much pain to stand upright.

Doctor visits and ultrasounds revealed an intestinal narrowing–an unfortunate but common occurrence in Crohn’s patients. The plan? Wait it out and see what came first–delivery or bowel perforation. I prayed for a healthy delivery. Continue Reading

Encouragement, Health, Life Is Beautiful

Single and Smart: Rules While Waiting

It’s February, the month of love. For some people it’s just another month and for others, they dread it altogether. Valentine’s Day is only days away and it comes with a lot of baggage for some. Being single isn’t easy.  It can be lonely, right? Days like Valentine’s Day seem to rub it in your face mercilessly. When I was suddenly single after being widowed, I had some things to learn before I could ever move on and entertain dating. I had a lot to learn about myself and it was necessary to set some firm boundaries with myself and for myself.

 I wanted to share some valuable lessons I learned and dish up some food for thought. Continue Reading