family – Page 4 – Signora Sheila

Raising Readers in a Technological Era

Dreamlike illustration of a girl in a wide sunhat reading by a glowing lantern, with a teddy bear, books, and misty window creating a cozy mood.

From the time our children were babies we read to them a lot, identifying pictures in books. Building their vocabulary, along with their love of books, one word, one page at a time. And it paid off! Our daughter could say many words by 9 months. And by the age of one, she was speakingContinueContinue reading “Raising Readers in a Technological Era”

Parents, Be Careful What You Allow

Tall beach grass fills the foreground, with three blurred people walking beside a bright ocean in the background, creating a warm, serene mood.

John Wesley said, “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” He was referring to sin. And we have seen this play out throughout history. But I’d like to look at it from a different perspective. Children are always listening to, watching, and imitating adults. And they often follow any example they’re shown. Kids from violentContinueContinue reading “Parents, Be Careful What You Allow”

The Father Abraham Mystery Walk

Family walking hand in hand along a sunlit path at sunset, with parents guiding their young daughter; warm, peaceful, hopeful atmosphere.

Have you ever taken a Mystery Walk? I have, and we all take them every day. Because when we get right down to it, life is a mystery. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, or even if we’ll have any tomorrows. And sometimes it’s hard to know which path to take, let alone explain itContinueContinue reading “The Father Abraham Mystery Walk”

A Royal Welcome for House Guests

Overhead view of hands lettering “Welcome” on a brown paper card at a creative desk, surrounded by stationery, greenery, glasses, and ink.

We’ve had fun and adventure, traveled the world, learned new skills and experienced other cultures! And we did all on a shoestring budget, right from our home! “How is this possible?” you ask. Through our guests who shared the love they have for their homeland, or their passion for things like painting, making balsamic vinegar,ContinueContinue reading “A Royal Welcome for House Guests”

Italian Worm Cheese and Culture Shock

Rows of round, pale cheese wheels mature on metal racks in a cool aging room, creating a warm, orderly artisanal food scene.

We have a saying in Italian. Non c’è niente di nuovo sotto il sole. (There is nothing new under the sun.) And yes, I know it’s from the Bible. But I also know that King Solomon, who wrote it, didn’t live in a foreign country. Otherwise, I wonder if he would have changed it to: “There is somethingContinueContinue reading “Italian Worm Cheese and Culture Shock”

God’s Plan for Marriage

Smiling young couple runs hand in hand through a sunlit meadow, woman in plaid shirt and man in white T-shirt beneath a blue sky.

The topic of marriage came up at a neighborhood dinner this past Christmas, after they learned that my husband and I have been happily married for 43 years. “What’s your secret?” they asked with both incredulity and admiration. But one middle-aged couple said, “We don’t see the point of getting married. Besides,” he added, “IContinueContinue reading “God’s Plan for Marriage”