family – Page 3 – Signora Sheila

Through the Eyes of a Child

Child in a pink knit hat and striped shirt looks toward a small backyard playhouse and swing at sunset, creating a warm, peaceful mood.

One day, while watching an old Andy Griffith episode my 6-year-old grandson piped up with a question. “Why don’t they want that man to sing, Nonna? He sings real good!” That man was Rafe Hollister who, with his golden singing voice, had entered, and won, the singing contest held by the local Ladies’ Society. ButContinueContinue reading “Through the Eyes of a Child”

Bible Occupations: Home and Field

A farmer guides two yoked oxen through a dry, freshly plowed field with a stick, creating a rustic, hardworking rural scene under hazy skies.

Work and vocation, as instituted by God, are good. Scripture opens with God at work, creating the entire world and giving man and woman their first occupations: farming and homemaking. He set them to care for the earth, work for their own living, and make or grow what they needed. And although ancient Israel alwaysContinueContinue reading “Bible Occupations: Home and Field”

Honoring Dad

Two children play in the sand on a sunny beach, digging beside a sand mound as turquoise waves roll behind them, creating a carefree mood.

Today I’m looking back, way back. Yesterday was Dad’s birthday and he would have been 87. He died last year, just 4 days before his 86th birthday. I still miss him and always will. Especially because of all the years we lost. All my years overseas, so far away from my family. It’s not thatContinueContinue reading “Honoring Dad”

The Role of Women in Bible Times

Three women in colorful traditional robes and headscarves sit together against a stone wall, smiling warmly at the camera.

In most ancient cultures women were accorded a low status in society, sometimes even lower than animals. Even the great Greek philosophers, with their vast culture, considered them inherently inferior creatures. Aristotle once said, “Woman may be said to be an inferior to man.” Jewish Scriptures elevated woman’s status. But the Hebrew Scriptures valued womenContinueContinue reading “The Role of Women in Bible Times”

Mamma Anna’s Menu

Festive dining table with hand-painted floral plates, wine glasses, cutlery, napkin, and roasted vegetables, creating a warm, welcoming setting.

Everything 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 lot about cooking from livingContinueContinue reading “Mamma Anna’s Menu”

Longing for Home: Do we Miss it Enough?

Close-up of a large white dahlia blooming in a sunny garden, with smaller flowers, a red cottage, blue sky, and lush greenery behind it.

Sometimes after a long time away, I find myself longing for home. (HOME. Isn’t that a beautiful word?) I appreciate the hospitality we are given. But as the days pass and the miles fly by, my longing for home grows. Even when visiting family and friends we rarely get to see. Home – an evocative wordContinueContinue reading “Longing for Home: Do we Miss it Enough?”