Faith in the everyday life blog
through Amy bretall’s eyes
Amy Bretall’s faith-based photography books have helped many people find faith in the everyday life. Her blog’s mission is to help others develop that faith through her writing – then deepen it.
Rest Brings Restoration
Have you ever received a few words that bring an immediate change in perspective? In the summer of 2007, after a cycling accident brought months of forced downtime from my active lifestyle, my patience was tested. I asked my Dad for some words. Literally, I said:...
Paraclete. Is it a bug?
Last March, talking to my 89 year old sweet Jean, I told her I learned a new word...Paraclete. I said she probably knew it, but it was new to me. She said it sounded familiar, but couldn't recall it. So I reviewed a little of what I just learned: "Paraclete is a...
My Sweet Jean-Saying Goodbye. The Will. And Making Kool-Aid.
Have you ever wondered if a person who is passing away can hear your words? They can. I know. Even in the fuzziness of dementia, there is clarity. June 1-3 of 2016, I visited Jean in the nursing home after receiving a call alerting of her "rapid deterioration." The...
My Sweet Jean. Holding On to the Little Things.
I imagine I'll let go of this at some point. It’s been 11 months since Jean passed. I have a stack of old silk scarves of Jean's. I'm keeping them all together, just so, to retain her scent. The middle ones still have it. An old small hardcase suitcase of hers keeps a...
A Handwritten Note
"The little things in life are big"- Amy Bretall. This I believe. From nature, to holding a hand of a loved one like my 89-year old sweet Jean, to a simple smile - small acts have a big impact in life. One small act I've been thinking about are handwritten notes. I...
My Mom. Love in Action.
My mom does so many things that show love. Most recently, she made me a pillow cover. Just like that. A master quilter, she took her time and loving hands to craft material together, figure out a zipper and create a one-of-a-kind pillow. I asked. She did. Love in...
A Little Girl in Cuba. A Purpose.
A little girl in Cuba, Yordielis, is my next. I have written often about my sweet Jean as my adopted grandmother, how we met 22 years ago at my first job out of college. Jean was age 68 and I was 23. I held onto her over the years, loved her and cared for her...
Reflections on the Farm. Time. Life.
Do we see ourselves as we really are? As a mirror opposite? Or do we see ourselves as we want to? Does the shiny surface of the water match what is beneath the surface? Reflecting about experiences is life. Hopefully we take time to learn something about ourselves,...
My Sweet Jean and My Grandma. Our Pace of Life.
Over the 22 years with my sweet Jean I noticed the change of pace. The slowing. And maybe more importantly the recognition of me needing to slow; to adjust to her pace. The small things you take for granted like getting in and out of a car. My "go, do, more" mindset...