I often pray that God would make me attentive. On high alert for the people he needs me to see. One morning, I prayed a prayer in my journal: "Dear God, will you show me someone who needs me today?" I'm a frequent pray-er of this … [Read more...]

I’ve heard it said that life is full of regrets. That’s not a very happy thought. The sages say that the wicked are full of regrets, and the sinners are full of regrets. But being full of regrets is not meant for you. Whatever you did wrong, … [Read more...]

Wielding nostalgia for a bygone era — is invariably mischaracterized. If you really go back to study U.S. history, you would find two things: The past was worse, and conflict has always been the norm. The past was simply not “better” by any … [Read more...]

By Hannah Brenchner A few months ago, I taught a reflective writing class at a retreat in Pasadena. I wish I could remember the context of the conversation we were having. I only remember a woman talking about always having the cart with the … [Read more...]

Mrs. Farmer Jones blogs about winter, time, and its distractions February is a major birthday month in our household.  My daughter will be 17 in a few days, followed by my son, who will turn 15.  Sometimes, when I look at them, a wave of panic … [Read more...]