How confident are you about ______________? I couldn't get past that first part of the questionnaire. In fact I had already stopped listening after the first four words "how confident are you. . . . " I'm sure the rest of the sentence went on about something, but whatever it was didn't hold my attention. … Continue reading Finding Confidence
During my husband's journey with cancer, we decided that taking life "one day at a time" was too much for us. Instead, we learned to plan just half a day at a time. On treatment days, it was a half day for chemo, and then if he was feeling up to it, we would treat … Continue reading Living Leaf by Leaf
For over twenty years, the community of Fort Assiniboine, Alberta, has produced an interactive play, Journey to Bethlehem, that retells the story of Jesus' birth. Each year, as many as a hundred actors and other volunteers give their time and talents for the four nights of performances. And each year, hundreds more attend---one year as … Continue reading Journey to Bethlehem
On one level I'm doing quite well these days: eating, sleeping, going for walks, talking every day with one or sometimes all three of my sisters, connecting with friends, paying bills, taking care of the household, easing back into writing and speaking, taking on a new contract as an editor. But sometimes the grief over … Continue reading Our Grief Doesn’t Stop During Advent
Last night I went outside to look for Jupiter. "Look to the east," I was told. "After sunset, Jupiter will be the brightest thing in the sky." "You can see it even from the city." The great planet was brighter than usual last night because it was the closest it's been to earth in 59 … Continue reading When You’re Longing for Light, Where Do You Look?
When my husband was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer, we received a packet of information from the cancer center. The large envelope included various forms, contact numbers, booklets on what to expect, nutritional information, and other resources for patients and their families. Among the papers, I also came across an offer of free parking … Continue reading The Hospitality of the Church Parking Lot
I was asked to write on simplicity for Asian American Women on Leadership, and wanted to post my personal reflection here as well. I hope it helps you consider simplicity in your own life too. For the last few years, I’ve chosen a key word or phrase to help give focus to my year. I … Continue reading What Simplicity Means to Me Today
Last Sunday I co-hosted my church's online worship and conversation as usual. Everything went smoothly, but afterward I felt agitated and stressed out. Not because of any technical glitches. Not because of anything anyone said or did. Not because I was thinking about anything in particular. But just because. Life is stressful. The last few years … Continue reading 5 Five-Minute Strategies to De-Stress
April Yamasaki 