future – Page 2 – Signora Sheila

Resolutions: Band-Aids or Solutions?

Two sparkling champagne flutes clink before bright fireworks and a midnight clock, creating a festive New Year’s celebration mood.

It’s that time of year again, when we ring in the New Year and make our resolutions. Even though experience and statistics show that we rarely keep them. So if you repeatedly fail to keep yours, take heart. You are not alone! Many of us make resolutions only to feel discouraged or even guilty aboutContinueContinue reading “Resolutions: Band-Aids or Solutions?”

The Amazement of the Incarnation

White dove flying with wings fully spread, soft feathers glowing against a pale blue background; red feet visible, creating a peaceful mood.

Francis Junius, a 15th century theologian, once gave an account of his first reading of John chapter 1. He said “he observed such a divinity in the argument, such an authority and majesty in the style, that his flesh trembled, and he was struck with such amazement that for a whole day he scarcely knewContinueContinue reading “The Amazement of the Incarnation”

A Divine Romance

Bride in a white lace wedding dress holds a lush pastel bouquet of roses and wildflowers against a sunlit countryside, creating a romantic mood.

Christ said that he was the Alpha and the Omega. The first and last letters of the Greek language, in common use at the time. So he was saying that he was both the beginning and the end. Not only that all things begin and end with him, but that they will continue in himContinueContinue reading “A Divine Romance”

Embracing Life’s Winter

Snow-covered rolling hills and scattered homes overlook frosted trees and a quiet valley under a pale, cloudy sky, creating a serene winter scene.

I’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 our distant mountains does itContinueContinue reading “Embracing Life’s Winter”

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?”

Simple Living for Retirement

Retirement anymore seems to be right around the corner for us. Yikes! And because of certain lifestyle choices we’ve made, we’re starting to think they’re going to be interesting years, to say the least. Not that we’re alone. It’s not uncommon for people to find themselves in reduced circumstances in their retirement years. And not just with reducedContinueContinue reading “Simple Living for Retirement”