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Reading time:
1–2 minutes
Continue reading →: The Right PrayerPrayer. What is it? Yes, we know that it’s conversing with our Lord. But what is it, really? Does it need words? Can it have emotions? How should we do it, and what should we expect from it? Prayer. What is it? Yes, we know that it’s a conversation with…
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Reading time:
5–7 minutes
Continue reading →: St. Martin’s Day & Italy’s Roman SummerSan Martino is celebrated on November 11, the day of his burial in Tours, France. But San Martino also refers to the unseasonably warm weather that Italy usually enjoys in the first half of the month! Which, according to folklore, is due to a good deed performed by this Roman…
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Reading time:
1–2 minutes
Continue reading →: The Italian Autumn: What to ExpectCrackling leaves underfoot. Whafts of wood smoke in the air. Pumpkins and apples. Chestnuts roasting. There’s something cozy about Autumn, isn’t there? And these are just some of the things you can expect to find in an Italian autumn. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough and catch a grape or harvest. Two…
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Reading time:
5–7 minutes
Continue reading →: A Shepherd’s Life in Bible TimesShepherding is one of the oldest human occupations, second only to gardening and farming. It played a crucial role in biblical times. Sheep were central to the economy and religious life of Israel. And the contribution shepherds made, though invaluable, was often overlooked or undervalued. Abel was the first in…
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Reading time:
2–3 minutes
Continue reading →: The Village MorningSitting here at the kitchen table, I hear the shepherd who lives uphill start his dilapidated truck. It seems quieter this time. Perhaps he has repaired it since our last visit. Or maybe our closed windows muffle the rattle. But it’s a welcome sound. For this quiet mountain village sinks…
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Reading time:
3–4 minutes
Continue reading →: Mamma Anna’s MenuEverything I know about cooking I learned from my Italian mother-in-law! (Wouldn’t that be a great title?) Except it’s not true. 🤔 I already knew how to cook and didn’t need any lessons from Mamma Anna. But she did teach me about menu planning, albeit second-hand. And I learned a…
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Reading time:
4–6 minutes
Continue reading →: How to Help Immigrants and RefugeesAs an immigrant myself this issue is close to my heart. I cannot fully identify with refugees or economic immigrants. I did not move out of personal need, but for ministry. I also have dual citizenship. But I understand moving to an foreign country. And we have also worked with…
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Reading time:
3–5 minutes
Continue reading →: Embracing Life’s WinterI’m thankful that I no longer live in the land of always winter – that was my home state of Michigan. (At least that’s how it often seemed!) Always winter, but with Christmas! I much prefer southern Italy, where winters are mild and the rare snow melts quickly. Only in…


