The End of All Words…

Through the years, I have done my fair share of counseling. The truth is this: It is not my favorite aspect of the ministry. I groan silently when I hear of someone becoming a counselor or actually majoring in counseling in college. Doesn’t that sound cold hearted and distant coming from a missionary… even worse…

I Bowed to Worship Another…

I relished a trip to Amherst, Massachusetts, a few years ago with my family. A long-time writing heroine of mine, Emily Dickinson and I had an appointment. I could hardly wait to visit her childhoold home. I consider Dickinson America’s best poet, exceeding the writings of  Frost, Whitman, Sandburg, and Emerson… even contemporary poets like…

A Little Lonely…

My husband and daughter are in Ethiopia now. I just spoke to them on the phone. They are in the capital city of Addis Ababa working with Ethiopian Jews from Beta Israel and Beta Avraham groups. They have visited congregations, schools, medical clinics and orphanages, and it has been an amazing trip. I am so…

Backyard Bandits Again…

On the morning that Wayne left for Israel/Ethiopia, we enjoyed breakfast under the arbor in the backyard. The weather was perfect and the surroundings enchanting, even if it is my own little patch of ground. After we cleaned it all up, I glanced out the window to find the backyard bandit was back… He’s ready…

haiku: winter scars

the scars of winter are healed in blood red blooms, sun, warm earth, and raindrops

And the Tears Flowed…

Erev Shabbat settled with peace… the kind that radiates from deep within… the kind that bubbles up with hope and contentment–regardless of life’s circumstances or situation. More than the soft glow of candles lit the room, an incandescent illumination radiated from the hearts of the family and friends gathered at the table. The evening shone…

Spring Morning at Our Front Door

Well, life is not as exciting in Texas on a daily basis as when my husband and I are traveling. Suburban life is downright boring compared to Ethiopia, Ukraine, Russia, Brazil, or Israel. But that is exactly why I like the months we are here–routine and down time. There must be some plain and simple…

Staring…

Is it rude to stare? I guess it is, but I still do it. Well, I guess it is better to say, I stare without trying to stare. I guess I am just curious… about the life around me. And taking photographs sort of eases my compulsion to stare. But what I really think is…