'Twas the night after Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was hungry, not even a mouse; The stockings still hung there, all limp and bare, With hopes that no tummy aches would soon appear. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With visions of presents flying through their heads; AndContinue reading "The Night After Christmas: A Poem"
Flip Flops in the Snow
With a tattered sack of belongings slung over his shoulder, we watched as he trudged along, trying in vain to keep his bare feet out of the snow. Miserable, destitute, and in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the huge city, unnoticed - or almost. Unused to such sights it was shocking andContinue reading "Flip Flops in the Snow"
The Coming of Mr. Pemberton
Everyone wondered, and no one knew. Knew who Mr. Pemberton was, that is. Oh, they all knew of the Pemberton family. At least the older ones. The cranky old man who used to throw things at them when they were kids. And just because they passed his house! Not because they'd stolen his apples orContinue reading "The Coming of Mr. Pemberton"
The Italian Tormenta: Winter’s on the Way
The Italian word tormenta has three definitions. It can mean a blizzard. Or a turbine of powdery light snow, carried by strong winds over mountain peaks, ridges, and slopes. Finally, it is a present tense conjugation of the verb to torment. This should give you a pretty good idea of how many Italians think aboutContinue reading "The Italian Tormenta: Winter’s on the Way"
Thanksgiving for the Future
Happy Thanksgiving from Italy!! Although it always amazes me how many people don't know that Italy doesn't celebrate this holiday. And it saddens me too, because it means that many (even in North America) don't seem to know the history of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a distinctly North American holiday, inspired by the celebrations of theContinue reading "Thanksgiving for the Future"
Lessons on Surrender from Mount Moriah
Moriah, which means chosen by God, was where God had his temple built, for it was a place special and holy to him. It was also where he sent King David to offer sacrifices after his sin of taking a census (1 Chronicles 21). It seemed like such a small thing, counting the people, but DavidContinue reading "Lessons on Surrender from Mount Moriah"
