relationships – Signora Sheila

What Makes a Home {and a Blogging Home}?

Serene mid-century living room with cream sofa, rattan chairs, plants, botanical art, warm lamp light, and sunlight through tall windows.

Today, I remembered the day our daughter and her family moved back to the USA, which was several years ago. They kept their house here in Italy, so in the beginning we had to go there frequently. We had to empty the fridge, close windows, and tidy things up. Then we went upstairs to stripContinueContinue reading “What Makes a Home {and a Blogging Home}?”

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?”

Never an Orphan

Cropped child in a gray sweater and jeans holds a floppy brown teddy bear against a textured beige wall, evoking comfort and loneliness.

Growing up, I thought I was an orphan, unwanted and abandoned by my “real” family. I imagine many kids have such thoughts, possibly influenced by books or movies. But in my case, these thoughts came from my own family and friends. “Is Sheila adopted?” family friends would ask. “She doesn’t look like anyone in theContinueContinue reading “Never an Orphan”

Slow Living in Christ?

Barefoot woman in a light blue dress walks through a harvested field, carrying a woven basket in warm evening light; peaceful rural scene.

In our busy and hectic world, life is lived in the fast lane. Constant activity is equated with achievement, and feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists is seen as a positive thing. But are these assumptions truly valid? Having a growing list of contacts, profiles, followers and things to do can make us feel accomplished, importantContinueContinue reading “Slow Living in Christ?”

Don’t Leave Fellow Soldiers to Die

Rows of gray white crosses fill a sunlit cemetery lawn, receding into the distance beneath dark trees, creating a solemn, reflective mood.

We human beings are weak and fragile. Our bodies get sick, our emotions become deeply wounded and our minds troubled and confused. Isaiah 35 speaks of this and instructs God’s people to strengthen those who are weak and calm those who are troubled. It speaks of the Lord’s liberating help, but also reminds us thatContinueContinue reading “Don’t Leave Fellow Soldiers to Die”

4 Principles for Taming the Tongue

Three women in colorful summer dresses and wide-brim hats sit together on a beach bench, laughing and sharing a playful moment.

Communication has existed since the beginning, and it began with God. He created everything, through his speech. He simply spoke and it all came into being. God has always used communication to create and build, and he wants us to do likewise. God’s word constructs With it he created the earth, making a safe placeContinueContinue reading “4 Principles for Taming the Tongue”