Weekend Reflection: Praying For Hope and Blue Skies

Daughter Elaine, Off the Coast of Raiatea, Society Archipelago, French Polynesia. January 2004. Beseech Him with me: Hope for Vanuatu. Blue Skies for Guam and her neighbors. God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into […]


In Grief’s Waiting Room

Our Entryway. Memorial to Sergeant Sean Michael Lagrand Third Marine Air Wing, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting. July 13, 1981-September 25, 2006 Remembering Sean  This Memorial Day morning, I hear my husband sniffle. I look over, sure I know…but I ask, anyway, as I wrap my arms around him and his blue terry robe: “What is […]


In the Philippines, They’re Looking for Us

Please.  We Can Be Hope. We Can Be Help.  Maybe you’ve heard the story that Fred Rogers offered as advice for helping young children cope with frightening  circumstances: When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always […]


Weekend Reflection: The Still Waters

Today We Mourn With Those Who Mourn The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk […]


Raise a Holy Hum

Elaine and Hoanie. Tapuamu, Tahaa. 2004. Play Song, Pray SongSunday I learned that prayer sounds a lot like play. Sort of. Let me explain. Papeete, Tahiti, 1990. Walking back to the hostel, my friend (who happens to be my friend solely because at this moment, we’re both guests at the same hostel and so we […]