Beautiful, impressive, massive, with modern day Rock Star status describes the basics of the renowned artworks of Michelangelo’s Papal ceiling. The Chapel is large and during visitor hours it is loud. Guards assigned to help keep on eye on anyone trying to take the forbidden photo, are guilty of making loud and harsh “shushing” noises… Read More The Sistine Chapel

As I approached the Pantheon in Rome, Italy I was overwhelmed with awe. It is an amazing architecturally mathematical structure, built in ancient times, holding the intent of unifying the people of its time with a temple where all Gods were welcome. The Pantheon is a symbol of divinity as it stands today for peace,… Read More The Roman Pantheon

Making the World a Better Place What am I really here on this Earth for? Why do something’s I do feel wonderful and inspirational and others are just plain frustrating? Why does pain, hate, war and hurt exist? We have all asked these questions sometime in our lives.  In my case, I am still searching… Read More Influence of One! Life Purpose?

Wings to Soar                                     Somewhere in the last 18 years, my youngest child grew into a wonderful young woman. It seems a miracle at times and yet unthinkable that she will be leaving our nest.  High school graduation… Read More Wings to Soar

Don Nichols… Remembered As a former Waverly-Shell Rock high school teacher, I had the opportunity to teach a now former United States soldier. Don Nichols was killed in action in Afghanistan last Wednesday, April 13, 2011. I do not know much about Don’s life as a soldier, but I know a bit about him as… Read More Remembering an Iowa Soldier

The Christian season of lent is a time of reflection, and emphasis on renewal, reflection on how to be a better person, perhaps without sin, and renewal of spirit. During the six weeks of lent, Christians are encouraged to fast, repent, and align with spiritual truths. These are lofty expectations toward the road leading to… Read More Welcoming the Ashes

“Where there is great love there are always miracles.”—    Willa Cather I am a strong proponent of love and miracles. Miracles happen everyday, and people love everyday in numerous ways.  If the national news reports focused more on the miracles in the world, the rest of us would too.  What we focus on we draw… Read More Love & Miracles

My mother once said, she feared that I would leave to some far away land and go into hibernation in my search of enlightenment. I find this really humorous for two reasons. One, she left her homeland of Brazil to find America, the place of her dreams. She rarely looked back, and never regretted her… Read More Finding Peace Within

Man often seeks God through experience.  At one time or another the warmth of welcome and undeniable love of Gods presence has found its way through my thick brain. As often as I have attempted to intellectualize what God is, words fall short. However, the moments when God has made an entrance in my life… Read More Walk of Faith

If you are like me, a few minutes of peace is a big boost to any day. Often I need to make time for centering and peaceful self care. The benefits of several deep diaphragmatic breaths completed without distractions is just as beneficial as holding the same time and space for a longer meditation session.… Read More Meditation & Deep Breathing; equals Benefits