Lent is not about giving something up

My spiritual director, Ruth, sent me a message yesterday. “Dawna, someone brought to my attention (and you may have seen this also) that the word Lent is in the word Valentine. I’m forwarding another opportunity for a daily devotional during Lent.” Yesterday, I read the introduction to the suggested 40 day devotional. I prayed and…

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The trees teach us

I sat in the massage room with my therapist, Melanie. She studies me as we talked.  “What are we working on today, Ma’am?” “You know, back, neck…the usual stress areas.” “How’s your hands?” “My hands?” Melanie smiled sweetly. “Yes, you have clenched fists today. Our hands hold emotions, grief, and they tell a story.” I…

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I received a coin

He listened intently as I shared my story. He stepped back into time with me and was there in that moment. I looked at him as I finished sharing. His eyes were filled with emotion. Blinking away tears he said, “You did it. You didn’t hesitate. You didn’t freeze up. You were able to defend…

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