I grew up in the Lehigh Valley ofPennsylvania, first settled by Moravians, German speaking Protestants fromEastern Europe suffering persecution in the 17th and 18thcenturies. They chose biblical names fortheir communities. My hometown was Emmaus, for example. And it was a short distance from there toBethlehem, known as “The Christmas City.” The Moravians have many beautiful traditions and hymns for theholidays. One of my favorite Christmascarols is “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” One verse goes,..
Three common words-- Rooted in love. Three words of scripture-- Rooted in love. Three words.
Sometimes words strike us with a special force and penetrate our spirit with their “rightness”. They don’t have to be complicated or powerful. They don’t have to change..
In the last five years, death became the center of my life. Uninvited and not sought, this intruder entered my life space and appeared to have a permanent plan of..
“Hope” is the thing with feathers— That perches in the soul— And sings the tune without the words— And never stops—at all— Emily Dickinson
We couldn’t help ourselves! When we practiced the anthem, we giggled. Valleys and corn stalks laughing, clapping and singing? You can listen to that portion of the..
About 18 months ago, Alexander Leon, a writer with the LGBTQ-group Kaleidoscope Trust in London, tweeted a powerful observation about the lived realities of LGBTQ people..
Since 2006, The World Health Organization has designated June 15 as a day to promote better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons. This may seem odd to..
Grounded in Creation The power of creation infuses a profound sense of awe, deep within my soul. Recent summer-like temperatures in the 80’s and bright sunshine have..
May is National Older Americans month and May 21 began National Nursing Home Staff Appreciation week. Fourteen months into living with COVID-19, I think these..
