Author: Patricia Dokter Ritsema

Cedar trees can teach a lesson about life. The tips of this evergreen always point straight up toward the heavens. These tips remind us that “up” is the right direction for our weary or searching eyes. As life events close in, when disappointments darken our lives, when fear consumes us, when pain slips into our… Continue reading Look Up →

Have you ever walked through the woods or forest and really looked at trees?  Gazing at the unusual and distinct tree trunks in my woodsy backyard, I realized how their shape or their bent reflected their life story. One tree I noticed in particular, was bent over from a storm that blew through. Amazingly, the… Continue reading Reach Upward for the Light →

THE WORDS WE USE: 3 STYLES Most of us parents fit into one of three types: aggressive, passive, or assertive. In the aggressive model, parents often yell, use attacking words, or make unreasonable demands. Their children respond by acting-up more, yelling back, and tuning out their parents’ words. Passive parents’ words are not consistent or clear,… Continue reading Words Matter →

Most people think they are crazy! They are storm chasers. The movie twister glamorized it. They like the bigger the better the storm. They are drawn to it. But one thing they know-they cannot control the storm. They keep a respectful distance knowing storms are bigger and badder than they are. That is all except… Continue reading Weathering the storms of Life →

Are you, like me, hoping that some system, person, thing, idea, or event will come along to give us that final feeling of inner well-being we desire? Do you often hope: "May this book, idea, course, trip, job, country, relationship, supplement, or Dr. make me whole and healthy and fulfill my deepest desire"? But as… Continue reading Hope Springs Eternal →