It’s Carnival week in Italy. And our small town, like many, holds a traditional parade and a masked street party. But no Italian carnival celebration in Italy is more famous than that of Venice.
Continue reading “The Italian Carnival: A Venetian Tradition”
Moriah, which means chosen by God, was where God had his temple built, for it was a place special and holy to him. It was also where he sent King David to offer sacrifices after his sin of taking a census (1 Chronicles 21). It seemed like such a small thing, counting the people, but David did it out of pride. Which made God so angry that he sent a plague upon the people.
Continue reading “Lessons on Surrender from Mount Moriah”
Jonah was an unwilling missionary. An odd one, but not because he was reluctant. I have known unwilling missionaries. I’ve even been one. In Jonah’s case his unwillingness stemmed from disobedience. But sometimes the reluctance comes from fear. Fear of failure. What if no one listens? What if I bear no fruit? Or if they hate me, and they stone me or something?
Continue reading “Unwilling Missionaries”
“Out with the old, in with the new.” Where or how this saying got started, I’m not sure. But Italians take it to heart and throw old plates and other items out the window on New Year’s Eve. Although it has dwindled, some people still do it, even chucking furniture out the window!
Continue reading “Plans for 2023: Finding Purpose”
It’s time again to ring in a new year and make our resolutions. Yet only rarely do we manage to keep them. Both experience and statistics show this. So if you also fail to keep yours, take heart. You are not alone! Many of us have made them, only to feel discouraged or even guilty for not sticking to them.
Continue reading “Resolutions: Band-Aids or Solutions?”
I recently read an article marking the anniversary of C.S. Lewis’ death in November 1963. Many mourned his passing. But for his part, he was ready for his departure. During his final days he made the following memorable declaration: “I have done all I wanted to do, and I’m ready to go.” What a blessed state to live, and die, in!
Continue reading “We Each Have a Part to Play”
Signora Sheila 