Annette Bridges

	“Read Annette’s weekly column at UPI.”

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Annette’s goal is to offer a positive message and healing ideas in response to news, current events and life’s occasions. And she does so by frequently including personal experiences and insights learned from her own life journey. From her heart to your heart is the way she likes to think of her writing.

In February 2006, she began writing a weekly Religion & Spirituality column published by United Press International. Her columns are also regularly published in numerous Texas newspapers and other print publications as well as featured on web sites and blogs. And she occasionally contributes to www.spirituality.com and The Christian Science Sentinel – a weekly international magazine.

This section is an archive of her published works, 2002 to today.

2008

Just fix it! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, September 30, 2008)
I may not be an expert in economics, but I have survived difficult times and prospered in spite of having little money.

What if...? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, September 24, 2008)
How many of your decisions and actions are interrupted or halted by “what ifs”?

Why should we remember? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 29, 2008)
The 7th anniversary of what many consider the most abominable tragedy in our nation’s history is upon us -- September 11, 2001. Yes, our nation saw the face of evil that day. But we also saw the face of good.

Go for the gold! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 26, 2008)
Do you lack the confidence to pursue your dreams? Consider this: You can’t succeed or fail if you never even try!

When faith falters (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 19, 2008
A recent trip to a remote area of Colorado proved to be a telling experience for me as I was forced to grapple with what I believed about God, life, death and evil.

Olympic-size quest for peace (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 15, 2008)
It is difficult to imagine mutual respect, acceptance or even tolerance among the many cultures of our world. Yet despite the differences that I was certain existed in political and social philosophies, I saw unity of purpose in the eyes of each athlete.

Don't miss a thing! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 05, 2008)
Some scientists say human beings have a curious capacity to take things for granted. I know there are many things that have become routine and expected in my life. How about in yours?

Honoring our fallen soldiers (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 28, 2008)
This piece tells about my struggle with guilt after learning of the B-52 crash off Guam a few days ago. For the first time, loss of American soldiers hit close to home for my family.

Tackling tough problems (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 23, 2008)
Do you have problems that seem impossible to solve? You might want to consider how Einstein approached a problem.

Do you ever feel like your day left without you? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 08, 2008)
Perhaps you’re feeling like me and you’re tired of life moving too fast and you want it to slow down.

Home of the brave (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 29,2008)
Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I willing to stand up for something greater than self -- an ideal, a hope, a vision -- and would I sacrifice my life to ensure those ideals live on for the benefit of others?”

All the things I've always wanted to do (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 23, 2008)
Are you feeling that somehow it’s too late, that there isn’t enough time left to start something or reach a new goal or be whatever it was you wanted to be when you grew up? What if I could prove you’re never too young or too old to achieve something new?

But God wants us to be happy! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 16, 2008)
Perhaps the best advice anyone could give us is to stop waiting for happiness to come galloping over the next horizon. We need to take a stand and fight for our right to be happy right now -- right where we are.

Father's Day for a country boy (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 09, 2008)
This message can be for city boys, too. It’s about the qualities that make a great dad.

For the love of a dog (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 03, 2008)
Research has found that people with canine companions have fewer medical problems and recover more quickly from serious illness. I know I feel much better after I spend quality time with my dachshund!

Walking among the giants (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 28, 2008)
The giant redwood species have been on earth over 110 million years. Is there something to be learned from a life that is far older than us and one that has endured many obstacles?

Put the bad dream behind you (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 21, 2008)
Perhaps you feel like you are living a bad dream right now. It has been through looking closely at Jesus’ healings that I’ve been learning how to lift myself out of bad and difficult life experiences.

A hero returns (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 14, 2008)
As I sit here and anticipate the next Indiana Jones saga, I can’t help but sigh and say -- in the words of Marian Ravenwood from Indiana’s first movie -- “Indiana Jones. I always knew someday you’d come walking back through my door.”

Is ignorance ever bliss? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 7, 2008)
There have been times in my life when I would have answered yes. But if our head is in the sand, how will we see the solution that could be right in front of us if we were looking for it?

What to do when we goof (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 29, 2008)
Any American Idol fans out there? My inspiration for this column came from watching how Brooke White handled her "goof" last week. One of my first thoughts was -- I'm glad I don't have millions watching me when I goof!

Effective disease prevention - prayer (Christian Science Sentinel, April 28, 2008)

Why do we believe the worst? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 23, 2008)
Could it be that we tend to believe the worst because we want the worst to be true? Yes, I think our leaders often bear the brunt of our worst beliefs, fears and opinions. Especially in an election year!

A daffodil story (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 15, 2008)
We all probably receive more forwarded emails than we ever have time to read. This one caught my attention and taught me a valuable life lesson about reaching goals.

When something old becomes new (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 09, 2008)
Many times in our lives, so much is placed in front of us - crowding or overwhelming our point of view - that it is sometimes difficult to see everything that is going on all around us.

Plan to be surprised! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 02, 2008)
Are you a devout planner, or do you fly by the seat of your pants? If you're devastated when your plans fall short, you are not alone.

Humanity's progress report (ReligionandSpirituality.com, March 26, 2008)
Human history has been one of progress, sometimes accelerating and sometimes slow moving. But the wheels of progress will keep moving us all forward, as they must, ever so steadily.

An underwater guided to life (ReligionandSpirituality.com, March 19, 2008)
I'm wondering if I could ever approach the rest of this great, big world of ours with the same consideration, courtesy and civility that I give to our ocean world and its inhabitants.

A spiritual look at the serious face of bullying (Christian Science Sentinel, March 03, 2008)

What a difference a day makes (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Feb. 27, 2008)
It's leap year! Do you feel like one day merely follows the next with little difference, so you see no benefit to adding one more day to your weary year? Read on, friend.

Why did you want to kill me? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Feb. 20, 2008)
Public shootings have become more and more rampant. I don't pretend to know what goes on in the minds of these gunmen. But I have spent years wondering what my dad was feeling that made him want to end my life and his.

A marriage saved from the green-eyed monster (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Feb. 13, 2008)
Sometimes people equate feeling jealous about someone with loving them. I'm here to tell you that jealousy is not love but rather the fear of losing love.

What influences your vote? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Feb. 06, 2008)
Bias in regard to political party has never been my problem. But there would have been a time when I would have based my vote on race, gender, religion and/or age. But those days are gone and I'm wondering: How did I get here?

In a desperate search (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan. 30, 2008)
My question is: Why do we often turn to God as a last resort?

Stop looking for blame (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan. 23, 2008)
Looking for blame is generally a way to distract attention from the real cause to a problem, and it prevents us from searching for and finding solutions.

Don't stop dreaming (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan. 16, 2008)
There's no reason to lose anticipation for life with its many adventures, lessons and rewards. But there are infinite reasons to live our God-endowed life to the fullest.

Are you surprised by good? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan. 09, 2008)
Have we become so cynical that we expect people to behave badly rather than do good or for bad things to happen rather than good?

A golden opportunity (The Christian Science Sentinel, Jan. 07, 2008)

2007

You can be a miracle worker! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Dec. 19, 2007)
Don't belittle the effect you have on those around you. It's not some small miracle that our paths cross.

A Christmas love note (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Dec. 12, 2007)
A dear friend of mine emailed me recently to say her precious mother had passed on. I hope she and everyone will find some comfort in the love notes that follow.

'Golden Compass'? I asked my daughter! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Dec. 5, 2007)
As a young woman who reads widely and goes to see the latest movies, my daughter was the right person to ask about the controversy surrounding the upcoming release of 'The Golden Compass.'

Keeping our cool this holiday season (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov. 28, 2007)
Why is the season of peace, love and goodwill also a season notorious for raising people's stress levels? Are we too caught up in trying to create the perfect Hallmark holiday? Have we forgotten the reason for the season?

Don't miss out! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov. 21, 2007)
Not doing something or not trying something can become habit-forming. But habits can be broken.

Thankful living (spirituality.com, Nov. 20, 2007)
Too often we focus on what we think we lack rather than on the abundance constantly provided to us by God. Read how the practice of gratitude changed this woman’s outlook for the better.

To forgive oneself (The Christian Science Sentinel, Nov. 19, 2007)

How prepared are you? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov. 14, 2007)
If you had to flee your house in the next five minutes, would you be ready?

Something to smile about (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov. 7, 2007)
I don't believe happiness is found, but rather, I think it's chosen and lived.

Facing down fear (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Oct. 31, 2007)
Being afraid doesn't always mean we're in danger. More often, fear is a debilitating and life-limiting emotion that creates much anguish, and generally all for naught.

Putting an end to childhood bullying (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Oct. 24, 2007)
Whatever the reasons that one child bullies another, we can save our children by helping them to discover their spiritual identity and to act like the children of God that they are.

Jumping to conclusions (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Oct. 17, 2007)
Why do we jump down paths that are frequently, if not usually, wrong? Perhaps because, when jumping to the wrong conclusion, we're generally insisting we're right.

Don't distress over your mess (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Oct. 10, 2007)
A simpler lifestyle is achievable, and it isn't just about having less stuff.

Why can't we live together? (spirituality.com, Sept. 27, 2007)
Praying about the "Jena 6," Annette recalls a time when she prayed about the racial integration of her Texas high school.

Why can't we live together? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Sept. 26, 2007)
For some, the showdown over integration began 50 years ago. For me, it was 35 years ago. For others, the battle wages on. When or how does this war end?

You too can be a survivor (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Sept. 19, 2007)
Maybe you're not interested in being applauded as the 'ultimate survivor' in the hit TV series 'Survivor.' But, no doubt, you will have many opportunities in your life journey to proclaim, 'I survived!'

Always in good company (spirituality.com, Sept. 13, 2007)
When Annette's husband embarks on his annual sporting trip, she finds the spiritual strength to face down her feelings of loneliness once and for all.

Breaking free from routine (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Sept. 12, 2007)
This vacation has stretched my view of myself from a woman of limited abilities to a woman of God's creating with infinite abilities and potential.

Why is the first step the hardest? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Sept. 05, 2007)
Some people never even begin their journeys (realizing their dreams or making a change), because often the first step seems just too difficult. And so, they stop before they start.

Is there a measure for love? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 29)
Perhaps it's not possible or necessary to measure one's love for another, because our love truly is more than mere words could ever express. But I still want my husband to tell me how much he loves me.

Why not seize the moment? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 22)
Our comfort zone may be comfortable, but it also offers nothing new.

You're not alone! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 15)
If you're feeling misunderstood, isolated, alienated and that you have no one to turn to, you have something in common with Harry in the movie 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.'

What did I forget to pack? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 08)
'Don't forget to pack prayer!' Indeed, the most important thing we need to pack when we travel doesn't require luggage.

Girl talk may depress you (ReligionandSpirituality.com, August 01)
Don't let unwanted memories become ghosts that haunt you the rest of your life. Yes, confront them. Then - dismiss them, banish them, reject and disown them. Simply blot them out with God's all-encompassing love.

Something to believe in (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 25)
My daughter bought the final Harry Potter book at a midnight release party and didn't turn on her television until she had finished reading the book. What drives this kind of passion?

A climate in crisis...so they say (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 18)
I'm no expert on weather and climate changes. But I am tired of allowing the weather to have so much control over my life!

Would you give up your seat? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 11)
Every day there are opportunities to be someone's hero. What if the occasion meant putting your safety second to another's?

Defying differences with love (The Christian Science Monitor, July 05)
'Us and Them' strife is a call to prayer

Make today your independence day! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 04)
Freedom - peace in mind, body, spirit - is a divine right. But like any right, it needs to be practiced, put into action and, at times, defended.

Birthday Blues (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 27)
I think we give age too much credit and power over our lives. I've decided to be like my grandmother. No one was ever certain of her age.

What might have been (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 20)
Call it failed expectations or perhaps lost opportunities, looking back on my life lately, I've been struggling to overcome feelings of regret.

On a wing and a prayer (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 13)
If your dad, husband, brother or son is away from home this Father's Day, remember the World War II song that reminds us of God's unwavering protection.

The 'D-days' of our lives (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 6)
Sometimes 'D-days' are planned and expected and sometimes not. No doubt, each of our lives has been filled with significant events that have become momentous and transforming landmarks in our life journeys. Jesus certainly had his share of 'D-days.'

What do you take for granted? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 30)
Sometimes we don't realize what was good until it's gone. We must not wait until we lose something to place a high value on what we have.

Life Lessons from 'American Idol' (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 23)
The season may be ending, but the life lessons are only beginning for the contestants. These same lessons are true for any graduate and for the rest of us, too.

Joy in a dark day (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 16)
Your sense of humor may be the best medicine for your health, can assure a happy marriage and will help you get through any catastrophe in life.

Multitasking madness (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 9)
Jesus didn't practice multitasking to accomplish his great mission - but, rather, the art of mindful living.

Don't be your own worst enemy (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 2)
Individuals who experience traumatic events often struggle with guilt - not only survivor's guilt, but also guilt for actions not taken.

What's age got to do with it? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 25)
What if the stories of seniors' achievements were not thought unusual but rather the normal and natural continuation of life and purpose?

When size matters (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 18)
As children of God, we are each equal recipients of a treasure trove of spiritual skills and abilities that equip us to meet and master any 'Goliath.'

Forgive and change your world (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 11)
The power of Christly love and forgiveness helped me leave anger and self-justification behind for a future of harmonious relations with my neighbor.

A view to the Passion (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 4)
What does it mean to 'drink of his cup' and 'partake of his bread'? Christ Jesus illustrated the meaning of his transforming words with healing and regenerative works. We can do no less in our discipleship.

There's a cure for complainers (ReligionandSpirituality.com, March 28)
The Devil knows how to keep the complainer complaining. Whether you're the giver or the receiver of complaints, take heart, my friends: There's a way for both of you to beat the Devil at his game.

Is humanity in critical condition? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, March 21)
Jesus has been called the best man who ever walked the earth, but he was also the most criticized. What advice would he give to our destructive, criticizing ways?

Too late? Maybe Not! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, March 14)
Do you feel like you've missed the boat, that it's simply too late for you to go for your dreams and attain them? The example of a woman who didn't even begin her 'career' until after 50 tells me I'm not too old to go for mine.

No 'us and them' in God's eyes (ReligionandSpirituality.com, March 7)
It often seems impossible to see anything but our differences. But Jesus' teachings speak to more about what binds us rather than what separates us.

Is there really greener grass out there? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Feb 28)
Measuring ourselves against others is a fruitless exercise and an incredible waste of energy. The truth is, there's no one like us, and this makes us incomparable.

Angels among us (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Feb 21)
Every dialogue with Shirley was one of self-discovery, and I was changed by each and every visit. She saw the best in me and helped me to see it, too.

Defeating the intolerance within (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Feb 14)
In order to fight my own internal struggle against intolerance, I decided I needed to look again at the greatest of all Jesus Christ's sermons.

Looking for love? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Feb 7)
My mother never looked for a man and didn't appear to want one. Yet men seem to be irresistibly drawn to her, like bees to honey. Perhaps my mother has some helpful advice for those looking for love.

What ants can teach us (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan 31)
Obstacles in their path do not stop them. They refuse to give up. Clearly, they are examples of courage, expectancy and determination.

Life is like a game of football. No, really! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan 24)
Who would have thought that watching this year's football play-offs would lead me to reach some life-reaffirming conclusions?

Every decision is an opportunity (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan 17)
God has equipped each of us with the spiritual sense needed for making good decisions. If we utilize our spiritual sense, we will be prompted toward right thinking which will direct us to the best course of action.

Leave your mistakes and start anew (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan 10)
The apostle Paul doesn't expect us to have all the answers for the future. We simply make strides, however slowly, however long it may take.

Beating the new year blues (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Jan 3)
Are you beginning the new year with confidence and expectation or with dread and trepidation?

2006

Keeping the Christmas feeling (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Dec 20)
We don't have to pack away those warm fuzzy feelings we have for our fellow man this time of year.

Happy Christmas, and we had nothing (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Dec 13)
I was 10 years old the Christmas of 1968. We had little money, no income, no home, few clothes and no toys, and we were separated from other relatives.

Christmas, miracles and all things possible (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Dec 6)
Country-western singer Joe Nichols' lyric "I've learned to never underestimate the impossible" inspires my childlike enthusiasm and hope that anything truly is possible.

The greatest gift: 'Today' (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov 29)
One day it hit me: Time wasn't the culprit. Time was actually more of a self-imposed limitation.

Gratitude - the path to joy (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov 22)
With gratitude as the premise for every thought, feeling and action, how would your day change? Do you doubt that your mental state impacts everything and everyone around you?

Giving thanks for our selfless heroes (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov 15)
Although he was not present at our Thanksgiving dinner table, his empty place was set. We didn't raise our forks until we first expressed our gratitude for his service to our nation.

Here's wishing you a near-death experience (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov 8)
Tim McGraw nailed it when he sang, "Live like you were dying... like tomorrow was a gift."

Be a landslide of one (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Nov 1)
Don't think your vote matters? Consider this. . .

The Bible: My management guidebook (spirituality.com, November)

Jesus didn't allow any energy leaks (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Oct 25)
Here's a great problem solving role model for a day of impossible roadblocks.

Don't be fooled by the view (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Oct 18)
Mistaken impressions, rash judgments, believing the worst - we've all been there.

Where's your prayer closet? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Oct 11)
We can follow Christ Jesus' prayer instructions wherever we are - at work, grocery story or stuck in traffic.

Let's talk marriage (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Oct 4)
It's often a political, social and religious hot topic. It's often discussed as what it could be or should be or isn't. But marriage to me is...

Feeling how God sees me (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Sept 27)
Many times, when I've been struggling with some problem or challenge, I've found it healing and transforming to consider what I believe the God-view is of me.

Oh to be a child again! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Sept 20)
I wanted to get up and dance, but I didn't. When do we lose our impetuous, uninhibited childlike self? How can we get it back?

To say or not to say (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Sept 13)
Like missiles that once in the air, cannot be recalled, our words can leave indelible marks on hearts and lives. We all need to be more mindful of what we say and write.

The emptiest nest (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Sept 6)
My world was about to change. It was September 2001, and my only child was heading off to college.

One divine caregiver (spirituality.com, Christian Science Sentinel, September)

So you had a bad day (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Aug 30)
Some people are resilient and can bounce back like silly putty. Others break a nail and are road kill the rest of the day. Fortunately, there's an antidote for the road kill days.

How big does your nest egg have to be? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Aug 23)
What if The American Dream is not about fame and fortune at the end of it all? What if it's about the journey.

Imagine John Lennon's dream (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Aug 16)
John Lennon sang, "Imagine there's no countries . . . nothing to kill or die for." He sang of the world living as one, living life in peace, a brotherhood of man. Can you imagine that?

Defending against the Texas drought (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Aug 9)
One need only turn on the television, while trying to cool off in the air conditioning, to feel like we inhabit a world out of control. Can prayer really make any difference?

Yoda: 'Do or do not. There is no try.' (ReligionandSpirituality.com, Aug 4)
A possibility thinker dares to imagine. He doesn't let perceived limitations, such as age -- or even drought -- stand in his way. He doesn't allow past failures to halt present actions. He doesn't view failures as mistakes but rather lessons learned.

Jesus likes our potential (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 26)
We need only watch or read news headlines to get a depiction of humankind that is not very desirable. One that says the nature of man is dishonest, murderous and so forth. But Christ Jesus says we have a spiritual nature. Really?

A journey of detours (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 19)
Lately, I've been wondering what my life would be today without my past mistakes.

In a conversation with God... (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 12)
It's sometimes difficult not to role-play the dramatic scene of the day, starring the stress-filled me, the angry me, the sad me, the bewildered me or some other "me."

The rainbow behind the trees (ReligionandSpirituality.com, July 5)
I was taking my bath, getting ready for bed, when my mama unexpectedly came through the door. She promptly whisked me out of the tub to make a quick escape from her bitter and angry ex-husband - my dad. He hadn't been able to accept the divorce.

The changing face of change (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 28)
Anyone who knows the military would advise, if you fear and resist change - don't become a military spouse. Tell that to my daughter.

Hope beyond lip-service (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 20)
Telling others not to give up hope is a no-brainer. But do you really, honestly believe what you say?

Spirituality shines at summer box office (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 14)
Jesus Christ would certainly not be surprised that religious themes and imagery are appearing in popular culture's medium for storytelling - from books to films to television to music to technology. He understood the impact of a parable.

Gratitude, hay baling and pedicures (ReligionandSpirituality.com, June 7)
The big horizon before my gaze reminds me how infinite life is. And whatever troubles have been burdening my heart begin to seem quite small in contrast.

The beautiful absolute of truth (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 31)
Truth is what it is. Whether it is what I've always believed or something entirely different, I want to know the truth.

Free will's blessing (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 24)
We all have choices to make. Some choices are not easy. Some take us down roads less traveled. Some choices require confronting and overcoming our fears.

Yes, you CAN go to college! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 17)
Prayer to God had always brought solutions in the past, even in financial matters. Why should I doubt now? Could I believe there might be a situation or condition when God had no control -- where God was powerless?

A mother's greatest gift (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 10)
Her achievements against great odds have instilled in me a conviction that anything is possible. Perhaps the greatest gift a mother could give to her child.

The last second before you die (ReligionandSpirituality.com, May 2)
It took my breath away when she told the first thought that came to her as she tumbled in the water: the Psalmist's words "I shall not die, but live."

Courage on United Flight 93 (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 26)
What greater actions are there than to do what is right? Actions impelled by pure and selfless motives. Not prompted by ego or inspired by grandeur of self.

The Bible as a textbook (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 19)
A company I worked for did an exercise in which each manager picked a Bible character and discussed his leadership and management qualities and skills. This turned out to be a great exercise, and I think we all learned much on how to improve our management.

Every day can be an Easter! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 11)
His crucifixion was not the end of the story. Evil didn't win the day. How important for humanity that Christ Jesus' life example continued with his resurrection and, ultimately, his ascension.

Why pray? (ReligionandSpirituality.com, April 4)
I suspect no scholarly study of prayer's impact on health would be considered definitive, even in the academic community. Therefore, the underlying question for me is: Why should scientists and physicians continue to test prayer?

Jill Carroll safe in Iraq - thank God! (ReligionandSpirituality.com, March 30)
"Journalism is a public service and readers are best-served if I and the people I am writing about speak the same language." So wrote Jill Carroll, freelance reporter on assignment for "The Christian Science Monitor."

Too late? Maybe not! (newspapers, March)
Do you have dreams that have never been realized? Do you feel like it’s too late to act on them? Well….maybe it’s not!

Read More

Beating the New Year Blues (newspapers, January)
Are you beginning the New Year with confidence and expectation or with dread and trepidation?

Read More

2005

A soldier's wife talks about her prayers (spirituality.com, December)
Many families in the United States, Great Britain, Japan, Canada, Australia and elsewhere have loved ones serving in the military in trouble spots around the world. This interview explores how the author's daughter deals with the anxiety of having her husband serving in time of war. But any individual with a loved one in the military will recognize her concerns.

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More now, not more time (spirituality.com, December)

Sometimes I think about how much time I’ve wasted worrying about not having enough time. It’s a vicious circle. I get nothing done because I’m too busy fretting about not having enough time to accomplish what I want to do.

The Greatest Gift (newspapers, December)
What’s the greatest Christmas gift in the world? Perfect for any age or gender?

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Giving thanks for soldiers around the world (spirituality.com, November)
This is my family’s first holiday season with a loved one deployed overseas. Our son-in-law, Justin, is serving in the United States Air Force. It’s been a difficult time, but as we’ve been praying, the idea for a new tradition emerged.

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A Day for Thanks Giving (newspapers, November)
Homecoming celebrations. Platefuls of turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce and pecan pie. Perhaps a feast less about food and more about family

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Surviving the Storm (newspapers, October)
When I think of the thousands of families displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I can’t help but travel back in time when my life was traumatized by a storm of events.

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Facing a change? You can more than just cope. (newspapers, September)
Change comes in countless forms. Some life-altering. Some predictable. Some we choose. Some are imposed on us. Like those that are so sudden they uproot our secure and stable routine, and send us swirling into unwanted transition.

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Why pray? (newspapers, August)
Surveys have stated that millions of Americans pray regularly. And millions believe prayer can have a healing effect.

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Dream lesson from Daniel (The Christian Science Sentinel, August)
How well I remember the Bible stories read to me as a child! Throughout my life, The Bible has been my life coach. If I need guidance of any kind, I know I can find it in the Scriptures.

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Looking for love in the right place (spirituality.com, July)
The summer following my junior year in college, I was feeling pretty devastated and dismayed. Here's why: Although I really wanted a college education, I also believed I would find a husband while I was in school. I had just broken up with my boyfriend, however, and was no longer hopeful that my husband was on campus, waiting for me to show up.

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Purposeful Parenting (spirituality.com, July)
July has been given the distinction of National Purposeful Parenting Month. Purposeful. That’s practical and sensible. Something most parents aspire to be.

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A long time ago in a theater far, far away . . . (newspapers, June)
It was a day that would not be forgotten. One of those unsuspecting defining moments that touched my life. I saw movies most every weekend, but Star Wars would be unlike any movie I had ever seen before.

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I'm going to college -- but how will I pay? (spirituality.com, May)
I never thought about not going to college. During the fall semester of my senior year I was busy, like my classmates, sending out college applications to my top choices. Of course, I had a favorite: a private liberal arts college in another state. And in January, I got the good news—I was in!

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Will hope save the world in Hollywood? (newspapers, May)
Newspaper headlines tell the story. “When Dogma Meets Drama on Television.” “It’s the End of the World – on NBC.”

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I don’t want to give up on life (newspapers, April)
When our care becomes the responsibility of loved ones, they could be faced with decisions that shouldn’t be theirs to make.

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My Easter lesson: "I forgive you" (spirituality.com, May)
After four years of daily exposure to my father-in-law’s “I know best” attitude, my resentment was building up. I found him opinionated, arrogant and domineering. Especially concerning my daughter. And this time things went too far.

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How I re-discovered my Mr. Right (spirituality.com, May)
I fell in love with John while standing in line for an amusement park ride. City girl meets country boy. Seven months later, we married. I had found my Mr. Right. But soon I found out he thought his first name was “Always.”

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How to Forgive the Unforgivable (newspapers, March)
There’s something about Easter. .... One Easter long ago became a time for me to learn about forgiveness and love.

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Think your life is over? Think again! (newspapers, February)
In the past few weeks, newspapers and the airwaves have been filled with scenes and news of devastation and images of despair. Yet scattered among the procession of tragedies have been incredible tsunami survivor accounts.

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What if you couldn’t fail this year? (newspapers, January)
Why bother making new year’s resolutions? After all, the odds are that you’ll fail to achieve them.

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2004

Gratitude is my new attitude (spirituality.com, December)
“If mamma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” I laughed about this at the time, but these words on the magnet I got for Christmas 1998 from my daughter, Jennifer, really described how she felt.

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Christmas, Miracles and All Things Possible (newspapers, December)
Do you believe in miracles?I’ve read lots of the lological definitions of a miracle but I think many of us might simply define a miracle as that which is unlikely, impossible or unexpected, but yet it happens

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There's no "mid-life" in eternity (spirituality.com, November)
I’m almost 50. Half a century. For 21 years of my life, I focused on raising my only child. Then she graduated from college, married and moved to another state. Some people experience mid-life crises at this stage of life—I know I started thinking things I’d never thought about before

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Thanksgiving – More Than a Season (newspapers, November)
The season of Thanksgiving is upon us. This means sales to the Hallmark Card Company.

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Post Election Day prayers (spirituality.com, October)
It was my first presidential election. And my candidate of choice lost the race.

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One Vote Can Change the World (newspapers, October)
You say you never vote? Or maybe you’re too busy to take time to vote? Why should you bother? One vote doesn’t make a difference. Or does it?

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Is war necessary in the 21st century? (newspapers, September)
I saw this question on a Gallup Tuesday Briefing recently and wondered how many future generations will ask such a question. For over thirty years, Gallup polls have asked Americans their views on the need for war, whether Americans saw war as an outmoded option or as sometimes necessary. I found it interesting, but not surprising, that American viewpoints on the necessity of war changed significantly post 9/11.

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You mean I can't go to college with my daughter? (newspapers, August)
My world was about to change. It was September 2001 and my only child was heading off to college. I had been anticipating this moment for the past year. Well, actually, I had been dreading it.

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I said, "Enough!" to a bad temper (spirituality.com, July)
“You have your daddy’s temper,” I was told growing up. After my dad passed on when I was 10 years old, I remember my mom saying, “I think he spent most of his life mad about something."

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History – The Road to the Future (newspapers, July)
The supreme purpose of history is a better world,” spoke former President, Herbert Hoover. If this is true, what happens when history is not recorded correctly or if we stop studying history?

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Speaking of Fathers and Presidents (newspapers, June)
As I sit in front of my television watching President Reagan’s flag-draped coffin being lifted into an airplane, I am swept back thirty-five years ago to when my dad’s flag-draped coffin was carried.

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The Choices We Make (newspapers, May)
Service to this country through the armed forces has long been a choice made by many members of my family – my dad, two of my brothers, my uncle (who lost a leg in WWII), my father-in-law and currently, my son-in-law.

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A Role Model for Success (newspapers, May)
What if I told you that one of the smallest of God’s creatures knew the secrets to being successful? Can you guess what critter I’m referring to? The Bible has the answer in Proverbs.

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I can feel the peace of prayer anywhere (spirituality.com, April)
I love to pray sitting by the seashore. I have sat for hours enraptured by the vastness and infinity of the broad view.

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A View to the Passion (newspapers, April)
With all the hype, how could I not see the film, The Passion of the Christ, ― although I was not the first in line?

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Women Inspiring Hope and Possibility (newspapers, March)
It’s a story that needs to be told. Many women have left their imprint on history, but her-stories historically have not been published. Women have touched and changed lives, and their beneficiaries do well to recognize those who have impacted their lives.

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A Lesson from the Sea (newspapers, February)
Sometimes I feel like I’ve lived my life waiting for vacation to vacation. In between each anticipated excursion, I would be dreaming, planning and longing. My very favorite vacation has taken me seaside.

Living in the here and now (newspapers, January)
Made New Year resolutions you hope to accomplish? Goals you want to meet before another year passes? Starting instead with the present moment may set you on a path to reach your aspirations.

2003

Never beyond God's help (The Christian Science Sentinel, August)
I was alone in my bedroom lying on the bed. The pain in my chest was so intense that I couldn’t move. I couldn’t cry aloud for help. Was I helpless? What could I do?

An attitude of gratitude (newspapers, November)
I’ve come to understand gratitude as an attitude that is consciously chosen regardless of circumstances.

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2002

Peace in times of family turmoil (The Christian Science Sentinel, December)
Christmas 1968. We were on a westbound journey. I don’t think we knew what or where our final destination was.

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Gratitude made these memories (newspapers, December)
One Christmas long ago, I discovered a priceless treasure in giving the gift of gratitude.

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