travel

We are off on another trip. This time it's California-San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carlsbad. I'll present a workshop on "the book;" visit a college friend in L.A. and see my son and his family in Carlsbad. He has recently returned from a year in Afghanistan. It's all good. But I must say it's a stressful,complicated trip. Lots of airplanes, trains, and multiple hotels.

We have travelled 6 times in the past 4 months. Lots of planning. What has been wonderful has been the connecting with old friends and the celebrating with family. For me that is the most meaningful travel...friends and family...not just new sights and places.

And when this trip is complete,I yearn to be here at home. Home where spring is now in full bloom, home where there is time for sitting on the deck looking at the brook, home where we pull weeds and plant flowers, home where I walk beside the waterfall and over the mountain, home where I am at peace, home where God gives me creativity,home where I have a place to be with women in recovery, home where I quietly thank God for all His blessings...my physical home and my spiritual home.

Why wouldn't I yearn for this place?
Where are you today?
Where do you yearn to be-emotionally, physically, spiritually?
Where do you find peace?
What are your blessings?

Blessings-Penny

Parenting

I have been travelling and visiting friends and family over the last several weeks. I apologize for not submitting new posts. While visiting families with children of varying ages, I was again struck that possibly THE most important role we have is that of mother/parent...being a role model, teaching accountability and responsibility, teaching good communication skills, playing, loving, laughing, teaching how to be a friend, honoring, respecting. The list of what children learn from us is unbelievable whether we are mother or father.

One child was a bit lippy to her mother. How did she learn that was ok?
Another was horrified when she thought she had lost her debit card. How did she learn to problem solve that?
Another was up at 7 a.m. getting ready to run a half marathon. Where did that discipline come from?
A 16 year old boy has a new girlfriend. How will he navigate that terrain?

They will learn by watching their parents.

What will your children learn from you in that informal, day to day role modeling that you do?

Only one of these families has a formal spiritual life.

How will these children learn about God's love?

I worry.

Blessings-Penny