legacy – Signora Sheila

Why Am I Here?

Young woman in blue sits on a wooden dock beside an open notebook, gazing at a calm lake at sunset; mountains and reflections create a peaceful mood.

That’s a question I often ask myself. Not ‘Why am I here on this earth?” No, that question was answered years ago, many years ago at this point, when Christ entered my heart. I was created because He wanted me to be. Just as He wanted you and every piece of creation. He loved usContinueContinue reading “Why Am I Here?”

Taxes, Birthdays, and a Creationist Conference

Rustic lodge interior with sculpted wooden benches and a live-edge table, antler-like wall art, portraits, and warm lighting; earthy, artistic mood.

We celebrated a good friend’s 60th birthday. Oddly, sixty no longer seems as old as it once did! We enjoyed great fellowship, and as is usually the case in Italy, an abundance of delicious food! The restaurant, in the town of Casoli, was filled with bits of historical artifacts, which made me reflect. Now thatContinueContinue reading “Taxes, Birthdays, and a Creationist Conference”

Buddy, Grandma, and the Cleaning Parties

Decorative floral teapot sits on a heart-shaped placemat beside quilted potholders on a warm wooden table, creating a cozy vintage mood.

My maternal grandmother was a wonderful grandma, especially considering her high tolerance for rambunctious children. Now, don’t get me wrong. I like kids. But I don’t like having a dozen of them around at the same time, which is what often happened at my grandparents’ home during summer vacations. Then again, Grandma was a littleContinueContinue reading “Buddy, Grandma, and the Cleaning Parties”

All Things End

Close-up of a glass hourglass with golden sand on a reflective table, beside a reed diffuser, creating a thoughtful, contemplative mood.

Most of us do not like endings. Beginnings are fun and exciting, with new things on the horizon. But endings mark the conclusion of something, with words like cessation, separation, mourning, goodbye, and farewell. They often carry with them a sense of loss. We experienced this sense of loss during our recent stay in Hubby’sContinueContinue reading “All Things End”

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”

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”