I love the beach, but perhaps not for the exact same reasons that other people do. Yes, the sun and water and sand are all lovely. The sound of the ocean persistently crashing against the shore is indeed the most soothing of melodies. And salt water is really great for my hair. However, one of my favorite things about going to the beach, or even to a neighborhood pool, is witnessing the beauty and diversity in the forms of human…
Please note: I have intentionally decided not to include Amazon links (unless something is available exclusively on Amazon). Instead, if you are interested in reading any of the books I mention, I encourage you to check out your local library or independent bookstore. These places (and the communities around them) need your support, and they are generally quite willing to order any book if they don’t currently have it in stock. However, if Amazon is still the more practical choice…
It seems that spring might finally be here to stay in the Carolinas, despite a few little cold snaps. My yard has been in bloom for a few weeks now, the trees are finally starting to leaf out, and when I had my windows open the other day there was actually a warm breeze blowing through. I realize that, living in the south, I don’t have a lot of room to complain about the winter. However, it certainly feels good…
This year for Lent, I decided to focus on my relationship with food. At first glance, this might seem a little superficial and unrelated to anything spiritual. But the truth is, in our increasingly secular society, food has become somewhat of a religion unto itself; a little idol that we set up and worship and sacrifice to. It can feed into the sins not only of gluttony, but also pride and vanity and a host of other “little” sins. And…