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Seeking God’s Closeness

For those of you that are familiar my blog you are aware that my pen has been silent for a while now. Clearly lack of subject matter is not the cause. Seek God’s closeness is what has and continues to sustain me. This has been a season of stretching and growing. Keeping pace with the […]

Ride_or_Die_ The_Ultimate_MapAndLanterns.org

Ride or Die – The Ultimate

Do you have a ride or die? People are trying to connect all the time. Even those that seem to be lone rangers, self-sufficient, ”I got this!” kind of folk, desire relationships with others. As of May 2018, in the United States people are connecting online (in millions). Here are the user numbers for the […]

Soft_Opening_MapsAndLanterns.org

Soft Opening, Planning for Good Success

Why not try a soft opening this year? As we quickly approach the dawning of 2018, aside from thinking about how quickly this year seems to have advanced, I am taking inventory of my actions over the past year. What went well? What could I do better and what opportunities do I have to improve? […]

Heart-to-Heart Connections

Loneliness. All alone and feeling blue. Countless songs have been written about feeling lonely, disconnected or isolated. These emotions, along with apathy are far too common these days. Older adults, young adults and children. All ethnic backgrounds, all genders, share feelings of aloneness. Connecting with others on a heart-to-heart level promotes the opposite; well-being, passion […]

In_God_We_Trust_MapsAndLanterns.org

“In God We Trust”, Really, or do we Have Trust Issues?

We know that people have trust issues, right? What is the real issue around trust? In America you will find that proffer emblazoned on our currency, since 1864. Strong Christian beliefs held by the country’s founders are credited with dictating that a connection be shown to the basis of their trust. Over these many years […]

Be_Mine_MapsAndLanterns.org

On Valentine’s Day, He Says, “Be Mine”

Besides the miniature heart-shaped candies with the term “Be Mine”, you have probably seen countless items emblazoned with that sentiment. There may even be diamonds and rubies along a gargantuan mass of cards and flowers handed out today, as a demonstration of love. On Valentine’s Day many people are looking for the invitation to “be […]

Making_a_List_and_Checking_it_Twice_MapsAndLanterns.org

Making a List and Checking it Twice, Planning for a Better Year

  As we come to the end of 2016 it is wise to take some time to reflect. We probably have as many if not more concerns than we had last year at this time. I am making a list and checking it twice; over the next several days! My list has nothing to do […]

be_sober_mapsandlanterns-org

Be Sober, the Lack of Alcohol Does Not Cause One to be Sober

I grew up in a home with an alcoholic parent. The uncertainty, the violence, the feeling of living in chaos was ever present. It is likely that many of you had similar experiences. There are more than 12 million alcoholics in the United States.  As a child one of the things I vowed to do […]

Yes_or_No_MapsAndLanterns.org

Yes or No; It’s Your Choice

Though these words are small when we look at the space that they occupy on paper, they speak volumes in our collective lives; yes or no. The course of action we take is related to one of these words leading to a complex series of solutions to queries that may appear to be simple. Yes […]