13 Hours of Rain

Over the past two years, I have encountered several situations in which I have had to be totally honest with friends, family, and colleagues. It's been difficult and liberating. There is something freeing about being truthful, even if it results in hurt feelings. Though, I am not sure why I have experienced so many consecutive moments where truth needed to be disclosed... Maybe God is challenging me in my misplaced need to please others? Maybe His desire for me is to be true to who I am instead conforming to what I think others want me to be? Nonetheless, here are the lessons I have learned (and continue to learn) while relying on God's courage to be real, authentic, and honest in my dealings with others. When a negative pattern continues to emerge in a relationship or working environment, approach the person who directly offended you and express your true feelings. It may help to place your concerns on paper before talking to others. Often, most problems are due to mis...

Her Younger Brother "Who is your best friend?" I ask my daughter. "My brother," she concludes. "That's wonderful! I am glad you consider your brother your best friend. Remember, you only have one brother. He is your friend for life." The little girl ponders for a moment. "You know M. and A.? They have two kids too." "Yes, you are right," I nod. "But the people across the street  – they have five bucha !" she exclaims. I smile to hear a rare Hindi word thrown into an English sentence. "Yes, they have five children." My daughter pauses for a moment. I can almost see the wheels turning in her head. "They should give some away," she surmises. I burst out laughing. I find it beautiful how my daughter is content about the make-up of her family. Our composition is what she knows: Daddy, Mommy, Sister and Brother. She really hasn't asked for another sibling. And she completely underst...

I have a quasi-hobby called budgeting. At the end of the month, I get a little giddy {and a bit nervous}. I pull out my laptop, open up my color-coded Excel document, and start punching in digits... Please join me at Our Journey Home for my monthly contribution to Family Friday . Your support is appreciated!

Do you really know what is going in my life? Do you? Do you know what made me cry recently? Do you know who made me smile today? Do you know what caused me frustration and anger a few days ago? Do you know what secret dreams of mine are being fulfilled? Do you? Probably not. But can I answer these questions about the dear people I call my family and friends? Can I put words to these queries in reference to you, my twelve or so readers out there amongst billions (thanks for being the precious few who do stop by). I wish I could say a resounding YES. But, I can't. Oh, I know, I could join Facebook and at least read the mostly surface status lines of my "friends". But would that enlighten me about what is going on in the recesses of your mind, the depths of your heart, and the secret rooms of your soul? I doubt it. But then again, do I even have a right to know? (And sadly, do I really want to know?) There are days I ache to meet with each of the individuals I ha...