…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

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

”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

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

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