gratitude – Page 4 – Signora Sheila

The Right Prayer

Prayer. 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 our Lord. But what isContinueContinue reading “The Right Prayer”

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”

Giving Thanks Even for Fleas

Silhouetted woman sits among tall grasses at dusk, gazing toward a cloudy sky; muted light creates a calm, contemplative mood.

Can we ever be too thankful? I don’t think so, and I believe the Scriptures back me up. But life is often a struggle, and it is so easy to fall into the habit of fretting, complaining, or even despairing. So let’s learn a lesson from Corrie ten Boom on giving thanks. Giving thanks inContinueContinue reading “Giving Thanks Even for Fleas”

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?”

Breaking Bread and Standing Together

Hands wrapped in blue cloth hold a large, rustic round loaf of artisan bread over a wooden table, conveying warmth and care.

From England’s Sally Lunn to Germany’s pretzels, France’s baguette, Mexico’s tortillas, Russia’s kulich, Greece’s Kouloras and the Hebrew challah, bread is a staple food in many cultures. This is why breaking bread symbolises friendship, unity and hospitality. We can experience this friendship and unity whether we are breaking bread at a family meal or diningContinueContinue reading “Breaking Bread and Standing Together”

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”