…by Suzanne Falter-BarnsHave you ever felt like the life you are living is not the one you originally had in mind? Back when you were a kid, there might have been other things you thought you were going to be, like a Broadway diva or a country doc. That was before so-called reality hit, back when the only voice you listened to was your own. Fast forward to today. If you\’re like most of us, you lost track of those dreams and ideas some time ago. Other factors came into play, like earning a living, the impossibility of going back to school, or the queasy fear of looking stupid. You might... Read More

…ByJulie Clark Robinson “Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It\’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it\’s when you had everything to do, and you\’ve done it.”  –Margaret Thatcher I realize that I\’m in my 40\’s and that I haven\’t really gone back to school – truly I do. I mean, I don\’t have a shiny new David Cassidy lunchbox or anything. But, come autumn, the feeling in the pit of my stomach is the same as it was when I was a school girl choosing a new outfit, notebook, folders and pencil pouch... Read More

…By Prill Boyle Whether you\’re eighteen or eighty, if the answer is no, it\’s not too late to make a change. Demographers estimate that one in twenty baby boomers—the generation born between 1946 and 1964—will live to be a hundred. In other words, today\’s fifty-year old might well have another fifty years ahead of her. During those decades, she could earn multiple degrees, start a new business, or even join the Peace Corps. These late bloomers didn\’t just switch careers; they blossomed into the fullness of themselves. How did they do it? Making a life shift... Read More

Can love succeed based on the differences between two people instead of just what they have in common? Definitely! In fact, the only way we truly feel loved is through the trust we build knowing that our spouse or partner loves us for the real person that we are, distinctly different from them. You see, no matter how much two people have in common — religion, politics, race, financial status, whatever — when they enter into a relationship they soon discover the many ways they are different from one another. Everyone knows that. But most of us don\’t know what to do with the differences.... Read More

”Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1 Do you sometimes feel as if you\’re stuck on one of those hamster wheels? You run and run, and get nowhere. I\’ve felt like that lately. I\’ve been making yet another effort to get into shape, and I\’m focusing less on appearance this time. In my younger days, I aimed for a goal weight or a pant size. Not any more. This time, my goal... Read More

When we ordered the stained glass window as an accent piece for our home, the artist-proprietor told us he was a bit behind. “So,” he said, “to be on safe side, plan on six months.” That was two years ago. We still don\’t have the window. Each time we call or stop in, he has yet another plausible reason why our project isn\’t done, the appropriate apology and a new promise of a delivery date. What he doesn\’t have is credibility. Wishful promises don\’t cut it in small-town businesses or big-city corporations. It doesn\’t matter what role you\’re... Read More

It was almost twenty-five years ago that Sandra Day O\’Connor was appointed as a justice of the United States Supreme Court. In the time since Justice O\’Connor\’s appointment to that august bench, a transformation has occurred – a transformation caused by the ever increasing number, authority and position of women lawyers. Twenty-five years ago female attorneys were such a novelty that they were often mistaken for nonprofessional support staff. Women attorneys dressed like men in boxy suits and bow ties (pant suits were generally considered taboo), and oftentimes tried... Read More

Someone once said that we are not physical beings having spiritual experiences but rather spiritual beings having a physical experience. I believe we each come here with unique talents. Just as the world is waiting for your gifts, your soul is waiting for you to create an environment that literally nurtures your best efforts rather than one that sabotages you at every turn. Imagine a large orchestra. The conductor brings the musicians to attention. Suddenly he realizes that one of the violinists is missing. The orchestra can continue and the audience will be pleased. But the music cannot live up... Read More

“My mother expects me to take care of her, even though I have a husband, children, and a job. But she\’s SO grateful when my brother calls once a month!” “When I ask my parents about their health they freak out and shut down!” “All I did was mentioned to my father that I\’d like to help him with the finances and suddenly the conversation took a dark turn. Now he won\’t even speak to me!” “Taking care of the house is overwhelming my mother but she won\’t even talk about getting help or moving.” Sound familiar? Frustrating? If so, you\’re... Read More

Practically everybody has more than one name or title. I know I sure do. There\’s the one that\’s used when a great need arises, “Mommmm, can I use your car? Mine\’s out of gas. And ah…can I borrow 10 bucks?” After raising teens, I discovered the word “borrow” holds dual meanings. The first means to lend something, while the other is to give it away without expecting any return. Ever. And another name that\’s used is when a gentle reminder seems necessary, “Honey, I know you\’re all grown up now, but hasn\’t your Mother told you time and again... Read More