Many of us work hard most of our adult life and look forward to retirement. However, transitioning to retirement can be a little challenging for some of us. In this post, I offer some suggestions and advice for those preparing for or who have recently retired.
Category: Faith & Family
Stories and advice about our Christian faith and special family gatherings and memories
Advice for Developing a Quiet Time with God
I am still learning and maturing in my faith. After many years, however, I have finally developed a daily quiet time with God. I wish I had done this consistently throughout my life.
I would like to share what works for me and maybe this will help you. Continue reading “Advice for Developing a Quiet Time with God”
How to Develop a Habit
It is that time of year we are trying to establish good habits. I fall short in many areas of my life, but I am pretty good at establishing habits. In some ways, I can be like a dog after a bone on pursuing something.
Why are habits important?
Good habits help us improve the quality of our life. Good habits make us learn, stretch ourselves, get healthier, have more balance, and build our capacity to develop more good habits. Continue reading “How to Develop a Habit”
Unboxing Jesus
Every year, we decorate our home for Christmas. I take pleasure in hanging ornaments made by our children when they were little. We also enjoy the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights in the evenings and the smell of cinnamon candles.
Our Thanksgiving Menu – – From Our Table to Yours
Every year, Neal and I host Thanksgiving for our family. Some years, we have had 20+ with all of our extended family. Other years, we just have our children and grandparents for a total of 8-12 (and typically four dogs). No matter how many, we enjoy making and eating scrumptious comfort food. Some of our dishes are homemade; some are recipes from other cooks; and some are more store bought. This combination works for us!
Continue reading “Our Thanksgiving Menu – – From Our Table to Yours”
My Testimony: Navigating Life with Jesus
I was born on the eastern shore of Maryland where my father was a poultry farmer. I have fond memories of bottle-feeding calves, driving a John Deere tractor, playing outside, weeding the flower bed, cutting asparagus, and my mother and grandmother canning tomatoes, green beans, or whatever was in season.
JOY: Love Jesus, Love Others and Love Yourself . . . and Some of My Favorite Books
Just a little background about me to give you some context . . . I worked as an educator for over 31 years. I enjoyed this work, but my last 15 years of being a superintendent were all-consuming. I was accustomed to working 12-16 hours most days with tremendous stress. I retired a few years ago and now work part-time as an education consultant. The time demands and stress are far less and for the first time, I have more balance in my life.
I have always been a lifelong learner; learning truly feeds my soul. I am constantly trying to become a better version of myself. To do this, I read my Bible (try to do so daily but sometimes fall short), pray, and listen to spiritual and personal growth books. Continue reading “JOY: Love Jesus, Love Others and Love Yourself . . . and Some of My Favorite Books”
Gratitude, Loss, Prayer . . . and the Holy Spirit
From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
From Philippians 4: 6-7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
From Psalm 9:1 NIV “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
From Colossians 3:17 NIV “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Continue reading “Gratitude, Loss, Prayer . . . and the Holy Spirit”
Displaying Family Keepsakes
What makes this china cabinet so special to us?
When my sweet mother-in-law Faye passed away, my father-in-law decided to sell their home and move to an independent living facility. None of Neal’s brothers wanted this china cabinet. Neal and I really did not have room for it, but it kept calling me. So . . . we brought this beautiful china cabinet home with us. 
It reminds me of Faye each time I see it. She used it as an actual china cabinet. Continue reading “Displaying Family Keepsakes”
Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt
Background:
We wanted to surprise two very special girls with a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. Our son Ryan’s partner is Bekah; she has two precious girls (Ocean and Luna) whom we love very much!
Instead of just telling them we are going to Universal Studios, we wanted to make telling them a memorable experience (as well as the trip itself). Hence, we decided to create a Harry Potter Scavenger Hunt to reveal our trip.
You can do this for birthday parties, rainy days, Harry Potter weekend movie marathons, or any occasion which would warrant a Harry Potter scavenger hunt.