Everything British
This reflection was written the night before my British citizenship ceremony in 2018 and captures so many of my thoughts with submerging myself into my husband’s culture and what it means to gain a new identity. And a Happy Birthday to our Queen Elizabeth II for her public celebration on Saturday! Tonight is my last night to be just American, for tomorrow, I take an … Continue reading Everything British
Waiting In Hope
Recently, I was at one of my favourite local spots, Eastcote House Gardens (which my daughter and I have renamed the enchanted garden as it is so lovely). It’s a short ten minutes drive from our house yet I feel miles away once there and it’s just beautiful. With a cafe, lovely green grounds, a gentle river and a walled garden to enjoy, it’s a … Continue reading Waiting In Hope
Humble Pie
We can all be too prideful at times. We think our way is the right way and we don’t give enough time or perspective into another person’s way of doing things. I had lots of great conversations with my parents while I was visiting them last year in February 2020. Around the kitchen table, we got talking about my old university days in Seattle. I … Continue reading Humble Pie
Where’s The Bin?
This morning in my Bible study group, we were discussing the book of Ruth, chapter 4 where Ruth married Boaz and God blessed them with a son Obed. Their son became the father of Jesse, and he then became the father of King David. It just so happens that the five of us ladies are living in the UK but all originate from different countries … Continue reading Where’s The Bin?
Driving… On The Left Side Of The Road
There’s a quirky children’s book series by Jez Alborough that I’ve read to my kids, about a duck in his truck. Duck’s driving mishaps are quite funny and I admit that I have often felt like Duck driving in England! Eleven years ago, being a newlywed and having just landed in Charlie’s homeland, there were lots of adjustments to make especially in that first year. … Continue reading Driving… On The Left Side Of The Road
Change Of Plans and You’re Worth It
It was all going so well. The book bag and backpack were stocked and laid out the night before. Spring coats were put on the coat pegs to replace the winter ones and a summer dress and shorts were ready instead of my children’s winter uniforms. In the morning, everything went smoothly. I was in superwoman mode sewing on a button for my daughter’s cardigan, … Continue reading Change Of Plans and You’re Worth It
Being Present In This Moment
If there’s anything that I’ve learned living in the United Kingdom for over ten years, it’s that getting outside is an essential priority when the weather is dry and especially, if the heavens are radiant with golden sunshine. This was one of those promising spring days, with the sun brightly shining and crystal blue skies! Our weekend schedule is generally busy with all the family … Continue reading Being Present In This Moment
A Cookie At A Time
One of the things I remember about my mom while I was growing up, was that Christmas and Easter were times to bake cookies for friends and neighbours. I specifically remember a giant Tupperware bowl containing a double batch of my mom’s classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough! The sweet smell of cinnamon, oats, and chocolate filled our kitchen. On this occasion she was using … Continue reading A Cookie At A Time
Surrendering All
I remember being six or seven years old and not fully understanding the depth or meaning of the words, but I knew there was something special about the hymn, I Surrender All Listen here. In its lyrics, there was a sense that we could get to a point of giving all that we have to Jesus and being filled with peace in our hearts, regardless … Continue reading Surrendering All
A Lasting Christmas Hope
Is there anyone else, like me, who still has Christmas decorations up? Yes, I know what you’re thinking, that it’s the 10th of January and really it’s time to put all of the festive ornaments away and take down the Christmas tree! But this past year has been such a challenging one for everyone, that I can’t bear the thought of taking it all down … Continue reading A Lasting Christmas Hope
