posted on August 29, 2011 in Columns, The Messy Table

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A few days spent in a foreign country often wake you up a bit. And by foreign, I mean somewhere you don’t speak the language.

posted on August 29, 2011 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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I didn’t realize until after my husband died how many layers I had put on my personality during his illness. They were there to protect me and in honesty, to continue a façade that would protect my daughters.

posted on August 22, 2011 in Columns, The Messy Table

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Tomorrow, I’ll be going to Stonehenge. The Spouse and I are tag-teaming host duties for the in-laws: each day one of us sets off in the rental car for some English explorations while the other stays home to get some work done. The kids go out every day, spending as much time as possible with the grandparents because, really that’s what this visit is about.

posted on August 22, 2011 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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have a widowed friend who was there to share my heartache and tears as my husband’s cancer progressed. She had gone through the same process two years before.

posted on August 21, 2011 in Called to Wonder

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Have you ever taken a toy away from your brother or sister that made them cry, only to be forced by your mom to say “I’m sorry” to them? If so, were you sorry? How can you tell if you’re really sorry, or just sorry you got caught?
Earlier this summer we saw how conflict arose among some biblical siblings. What we may not know, is when there was a true, honest apology, things did work out. In the story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob tricked Esau into giving him his birthright and then stole his father’s blessing. Later on, in chapters 32 and 33, we see Jacob offering Esau a sincere apology along with many gifts. Esau forgave his brother and did not kill him like he had said he would earlier. Jacob received forgiveness from both Esau and God, and got to keep his life because he apologized.
We also read about a boy named Joseph and his eleven jealous brothers. The brothers sold Joseph in to slavery. Joseph ended up becoming the highest ranking official under the King. Because of a drought, Joseph’s brothers came to him (not knowing who he was) to ask for food. By the end of the story, the brothers apologize for what they had done to Joseph and their relationship with Joseph is restored.

Finish off by reading Ephesians 4:26. Write this out in your own words to better understand it, or click here for some ideas.

So,next time you have an opportunity to apologize, do it. But mean it.

posted on August 15, 2011 in Columns, The Messy Table

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Last Monday morning, I went up to Tottenham. Ikea is up that way, and we were short on juice glasses. With the in-laws about to arrive, more glasses seemed like a reasonable idea.

posted on August 15, 2011 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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What will you have me do, Lord
Now that I’m all alone?

posted on August 8, 2011 in Columns, The Messy Table

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The anticipation of a move dislocates you. You begin to live elsewhere before you’ve even left home. I’m feeling a little in limbo right now.

Part of it is the long process of saying goodbye.

posted on August 8, 2011 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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As a child of the 30s I tend to be somewhat prudent … well, maybe more than “somewhat” prudent.

posted on August 7, 2011 in Called to Wonder

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We know it’s okay to experience emotions, even anger. And now we have some ways to deal with anger when it happens. But how can we avoid making other people angry? Most of the time, we don’t do it on purpose. Knowing what actions or attitudes of our own that cause anger in others is the first step. These are called “button pushers”. Next time someone gets angry with you, ask them what you did to “push their anger button”. Jot down in a journal or notebook, each time this happens. Soon, you’ll have a list of things to avoid – but remember, these will be different for everyone. The good news is you’re not alone! God has gifted us with the fruit of the spirit to help us: show kindness towards others to avoid angering them, and practice self-control in yourself to avoid getting angry.

posted on August 1, 2011 in Columns, Miscellaneous, The Messy Table

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I came home to wilt. One sad basil plant, suffering on my all-too-sunny kitchen counter. It looked exhausted. And rather pathetic. I mentally added basil to my shopping list as I equally pathetically showered the shrivelled remains under the tap. I confess I did it with no hope at all.

posted on August 1, 2011 in Columns, Patricia Schneider

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My husband was not the “strong, silent” type. He was the “loud, laughing” type and he captivated all he met, including me.