Do you have a stigma? You might ask, “What actually is a stigma?” Our wonderful dictionary (yes, they do actually still exist) defines stigma as the following: stig ma – a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person Stigmas can be subtle, and stigmas can be bold. Sometimes stigmas are self-induced, […]
-Read MoreI was recently sitting with Lisa watching the sunset. I reflected on the experience of dusk, that in between time before darkness and after light. I noticed that everything was ideal. I thought about what life would be like if we lived in permanent dusk. I couldn’t help but also think about how dusk emulates […]
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Summer, my favorite time of year because our pace changes, actually slows down. I see things from another perspective. I savor God’s provision and blessings. I also rest and become refreshed. I also am reminded during the hot South Florida summers of just how important water is. Water is essential to life. One does not […]
-Read MoreA Mile in God’s Sandals I remember hearing a well-known author speak about how he asks God every year for a word… and that word becomes his compass heading for the year. I liked that. I chose a word this year. The word was perspective. I am asking God to let me see things from […]
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A 1986 movie entitled, “The Mission” tells a story of violence, tragedy, sin, penance, forgiveness, conversion and restoration. In one iconic scene the character, mercenary and slaver Rodrigo Mendoza, played by Robert De Niro must carry a large bag filled with weighted items wherever he went, to signify his sin and his punishment. The burden […]
-Read MoreOne of my daughters, when growing up, had a difficult time making decisions. I can remember distinctly the challenge we had as a family going to get ice cream. We quickly learned to order first because if we waited for her to decide, the chances of the ice cream shop closing its doors before we […]
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I have fond memories of a slightly chaotic situation. We were enjoying an evening with some friends at our home, which at the time had a small dock on a canal. The evening was pleasant as evenings with friends can be. The moon was full, and the tide was high. The children were playing outside, […]
-Read MoreBox of Mystery Years ago, when our children were younger, we used to schedule “mystery family vacations.” The idea was a brilliant one, I might add. The concept was simple. Lisa and I would devise a fun family vacation but keep it a secret. We would simply share with our children the date of departure, […]
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Christmas morphs into ChristMISS I often have regrets after Christmas. I will regret spending too much time on the unimportant but momentarily critical noise rather than absorbing in the cackling of my many grandchildren, indulging in one of those, “hey dad, what if…..” conversations, hanging with friends, holding the hand of my wife, etc. Many of those […]
-Read MoreOne day, my wife Lisa said she felt that it was time we sacrifice more. I wasn’t sure what she meant. Was it time to begin to construct an altar in the back yard? What would our neighbors think? What would we do with all the animals? Would Chihuahuas qualify? “Stephan, Stephan, Stephaaaaaaan….I think God […]
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