A poem for the bringers of hope Few thingsWarm the heartLike the embrace of a friend Few things Calm the mindLike the comfort of a friend In the lightWhen all is wellTheir presence is welcomed In the darkWhen all feels lostTheir presence is prized In hopeless momentsI cannot seeFor the dark is greatAnd light I … Continue reading Friendship
hope
Understanding Depression
Insights from Johann Hari's Lost Connections Original Photo I just finished reading the book Lost Connections by Johann Hari. The subtitle of the book is Uncovering the real causes of depression - and the unexpected solutions. I believe that we all will encounter depression at some point in our life, whether it be direct or indirect. I know that … Continue reading Understanding Depression
There is Always Hope
Aragorn: "Give me your sword. What is your name?" Haleth: "Haleth son of Hama my lord. The men are saying we will not live out the night they are saying it is hopeless." Aragorn: "This is a good sword, Haleth son of Hama...There is always hope" There is always hope I love this scene from the Two Towers … Continue reading There is Always Hope
What We Do Matters
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.- Gandalf (The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien The life we live is a life of impact, and what we do matters. We are penning the pages of a story that began with the onset of our being, and … Continue reading What We Do Matters
A Spark and a Flame
A spark at sightAnd the heart ignitesIs this meOr just inspiring? Is it the path itselfOr just a marker along the wayReminding me On the path I should stay? A flame unattendedCan cause great damageThe flame will die outLeaving but cold and ashes A fire that is fedWill last the nightThis flame can bring lifeAnd … Continue reading A Spark and a Flame
Navigating Change Part 3
Facing death with honor I always wanted to have arms like my dad. They weren't huge Hulk Hogan arms, but they looked strong. Actually, I wanted to be like my dad in a lot of ways, as his strength lay not only in his arms but in his heart. Though he was strong, he would … Continue reading Navigating Change Part 3
A Poem for the Restless Soul
Some nights are longSo we anticipate the dawn Though sleep may come for an hour or tworest eludes us the whole night through What can we do but wake and reflectCry out for help and pray for some rest The dawn will come as it always doesAnother chance to change what was Don’t fear the … Continue reading A Poem for the Restless Soul
Humility and Resilience
How to win and lose well. You can see it in someone's eyes at times, especially in the eyes of children. There is a longing, a deep emotional battle taking place that shows itself in tense physical signals; clenching of the fists, tears welling up in the eyes, a furrowing of the brow, or a pursing … Continue reading Humility and Resilience
First Words
The first words we choose to speak in a day, give insight into the state of our hearts and minds. I was watching the sun rise through the window of our living room this weekend, and it was as if something had lit the sky ablaze. The sky changed from soft gray to a blazing … Continue reading First Words
Hope
I love the Christmas season. I love the smell of pine, the chill in the air, the good food, the merry gatherings, and the music all around. The songs range from reindeer on the rooftops to declarations of the glory of God, and in that space, there is a story. Whether we long for Santa … Continue reading Hope
The Story We Write 