#Faith – Page 5 – I and Thou Reflections

Breaking Ground: Resilience in a Male-Dominant Field

The Many Faces of Resilience

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. –Proverbs 31:7

Some resilience is forged in the workplace. Not in big, dramatic moments—but in the quiet, persistent push against systems that weren’t built with you in mind.

Debbie and Donna, twin engineers, stepped into a world where women were often underappreciated and undervalued. One went into construction, the other into electronics. They faced gender discrimination—sometimes subtle, sometimes not. But they kept going.

*Image Credit: Office of History, HQ, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers*
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Debbie built her own consulting firm from the ground up. Donna joined a large manufacturing company and later faced something even harder—the sudden loss of her husband. She was left to raise three children on her own.

Their paths diverged, but their strength was shared. They didn’t just survive. They built, led, and nurtured—teams, families, futures.

Resilience sometimes looks like showing up again.
And again. And again.

#FacesOfResilience #Undefeated #PoetryAndPrayer #Faith #SacredStories #FaithOverFear #QuietStrength #LoveThatLasts #Grit #Resilience

The Spark of Resilience – Introduction

The Many Faces of Resilience

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a few stories – real faces of resilience. Each post opens with a short reflection or question, followed by a story. Then it closes with a gentle takeaway or invitation. Nothing fancy. Just honest moments and quiet strength.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair—2 Corinthians 4:8

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. It’s about the process. The enduring, adapting, and sometimes simply continuing.

When my friend Richard Kelley shared his poem Undefeated, it stirred something in me. It got me thinking about the quiet warriors I’ve known. Maybe you’ve known a few, too. The ones who’ve faced unimaginable loss and still found a way to live, love, and lead.

This series is for them. For the ones who rise, not with accolades, but with quiet courage and a faith that moves mountains.

I asked Richard if I could share his poem with you, and he graciously said yes. It’s a piece that speaks to the heart of this series—what it means to keep going, even when life tries to knock you down.

Here is his poem:

Undefeated by Richard Kelly
Used by permission 10/10/25

#FacesOfResilience #Undefeated #PoetryAndPrayer #Faith #SacredStories #FaithOverFear #QuietStrength #LoveThatLasts #Grit #Resilience

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #8 Forgiveness

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

*Image Source: shilpakapilavai dot com/free-yourself-by-learning-to-forgive*/

Let’s be real.

Someone will forget to take out the trash.

Again!

A good partner says, “No worries,” instead of keeping score.

They know that love means extending grace, even when it feels easier to hold a grudge.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

— Colossians 3:13

Fun & Faithful

Forgiveness is the secret to a long-lasting partnership.

Not because mistakes don’t matter—but because grace keeps the love flowing.

Why?

Because Nobody’s Perfect

A forgiving heart is the gentle nod that says:

“Yup, you messed up. And I still choose you.”

It’s not about ignoring what went wrong.
It’s about letting go of the weight,
because holding on to it drags both of you down.

So, tell me:

What’s something small you’ve had to forgive this week?

Did your partner finish the last slice of cake you’ve been saving for yourself? Again?

Forgiveness is essential to the secret sauce.

It’s the tender smile instead of the sharp word.
The way you choose peace over being right.

The quiet strength to say: We’re human, and that’s okay.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I love you… mistakes and all.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Thoughtfuness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #7 Thoughtfulness

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

*Image Source: http://www.oaklandcountylakesmi dot com/tag/thoughtfulness/*

Let’s be real.

Thoughtfulness is more than remembering birthdays. Right?

But if your partner continues to “forget” vital dates regularly, maybe it’s time to dial it back a notch?

Thoughtfulness IS the little things as well as the BIG things – like birthdays!

It’s about paying attention to what makes them smile. What brings your partner joy?

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Fun & Faithful

A good partner knows the power of small gestures.

It’s the note in the lunchbox.
The extra blanket on a cold night.
The goofy meme you send when they’re feeling down.

Thoughtfulness doesn’t require grand gestures.

It’s the gentle reminders that say:

“I’m here, and I see you.”

So, tell me: What’s the smallest thing your partner has done that meant the world to you?

Thoughtfulness is a key ingredient to the secret sauce.

It’s the quiet ways we show up for each other.
The way we pay attention.
The way we care—over and over again.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I’m thinking of you… always.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Thoughtfuness #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

A Father’s Day Tribute

My Dad, A Faithful Servant

A God-fearing man.
Quiet.
Steady.
Consistent.
A faithful servant was he.

Dad was Dad—
Meek, mild, and even-tempered,
day in
and day out.
A faithful servant was he.

He rarely told me what to do.
Sometimes, I listened,
and other times,
I didn’t.
A faithful servant was he.

He tolerated my fashion shows.
Twirling and dancing,
he turned newspaper pages.
Gazing up each time
with an ooh and an ahh.
A faithful servant was he.

Dad held my hair back when sick.
Cool cloths blotted
neck and forehead,
hand held
tenderly.
He was there for it all.
A faithful servant was he.

“Dad, can you drive me here,
there, everywhere?” I pleaded.
Off we would go.
Ice-skating, sledding, roller-skating.
A faithful servant was he.

As nutmeg and cinnamon
filled the air,
a rolling pin and flour
lay on the counter.
There stood Dad,
donned in an apron
and
chef’s hat.
A faithful servant was he.

Peering through
the oven door’s glass.
Waiting patiently
for the pies
and fruit cake
to bake.
A faithful servant was he.

Work clothes each workday.
Coffee.
Apple.
A Bible tucked in his lunchbox.
A faithful servant was he.

Jack of all trades,
His tools lined up on the pegboard.
Played music by ear,
sang solos at church.
A faithful servant was he.

He lived by faith,
walked in grace,
and loved as best he could.
Not perfect, yet steadfast.
Well done, good and faithful servant.

Dad’s 70th Birthday Celebration
Circa 1988

Happy Father’s Day!

#Father’sDay #Parenting #Faith #MothersandParenting

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #6: Flexibility

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

Let’s be real.

Some of us are not as flexible as others. Right?

A good partner is ready, from surprise rain showers to a surprise birthday party. They know that life doesn’t always follow the plan.

Why?

Because plans change.
And sometimes the TV settings can mysteriously change, too.

The question is how flexible you can be. Can you pivot quickly?

When we’re faced with change, we have to roll with it.
We need to laugh through it.
We need to stay open – even when it’s a little uncomfortable.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4

Fun & Faithful

Flexibility isn’t about giving up everything—it’s about meeting in the middle. Even if it means watching that rom-com you said you’d never watch.

Think of a yoga pose. You need to stay nimble and flexible.
Breathe deep.
Bend a little.
Find your balance – together.

So tell me: What’s the most unexpected change you’ve rolled with lately?

Flexibility is part of the secret sauce, too.

It’s the way you compromise.
The way you shift.
It’s the smile that says: I’m here for the adventure – no matter where it takes us.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I’m willing to bend a little – for us.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Flexibility #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

Hey Cutie-Pie, Are We in Love? #5: Faith

A Series on Love, Laughter, and the Little Things

*Image Source: thechristianconservative dot site*

Let’s be real.

Faith isn’t just for Sundays.

You want someone who believes in God, love, and maybe even your karaoke dreams—no judgment.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15

Fun & Faithful

Faith shapes how you treat each other every day.

It’s the quiet strength beneath the laughter, the peace in the middle of the chaos.

It’s the prayer whispered in the dark, the gentle “Amen” after a long day.

The faith that says:

“I’m here and trust in something bigger than us.”

It’s not about perfect faith—it’s about growing together.
Praying together.
Dreaming together.

So tell me: What’s one small way you’ve seen your faith bring you closer to God and your partner?

Faith is key.

It’s the patient ear.
The steady hand.

The calm in your eyes that says: Through it all, I believe in us.

It’s the gentle stuff that says:

“I’m here for you, no matter what.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to.

#Love #Kindness #Patience #Humor #Faith #Relationships #GoingTheDistance #IandThouReflections

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Reflection #1

A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month

The Weight of The Overwhelm

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

Jill, the main character, is having an internal dialogue with herself about her husband, Derek…

“With the teacher conference conversation still fresh in my mind, I felt at a crossroads. I saw a pattern. Derek did not. My good kids were morphing into out-of-control kids. As a mother, I had to fix this problem….So, I decided to call Amelia and finally take her up on her offer for a visit.” – Jill Mandela

Faith Reflection

Have you ever felt like you were at the end of your rope and had to do something fast?

When we get overwhelmed, it feels like the walls are closing in. And there is nowhere to escape. In other words, it is that crushing point when everything feels urgent.

The people we love hurt.
Responsibilities pile up.
And there is pressure to “fix it.”

But sometimes, feeling overwhelmed can be a signal. It tells us that something needs to change.

Jill realizes she needs distance.

Not to escape – but to find clarity.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” -Luke 5:16

In this passage, we read that Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray. He needed space to breathe. A place to pause and regroup. Clarity doesn’t always come through effort. Sometimes, it arrives in stillness and prayer.

In several key moments in the book, Jill reads scripture and then seems to receive a divine message. All leading her to greater insights and a softer heart.

Haiku

In the tangled noise
Clarity waits, whispering—
Step back, take a pause

Reflective Questions

When life feels too full, where do you go for clarity?

What’s one area in your life where stepping back could help you see more clearly?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney

Women’s History Month – Part 17: Lydia’s Legacy

A Legacy of Hospitality

Lydia’s home was more than just a gathering place.
It was a sanctuary.
A refuge.
A space where believers could grow in faith and find strength in community.

Her hospitality went far beyond the typical bed and breakfast. She created an environment where faith could flourish.

Lydia’s story inspires us to share our faith. We need to share it in the best way we know how. Whether it is through selling purple cloth or opening our homes for fellowship, let us share the good news with those near and far.

A Legacy of Leadership

A good leader is hard to find. They seem to hide in the strangest places. Yet, we do know that God blesses each of us with certain skills and abilities. The hard part is trying to figure out what they are.

Lydia knew what her skills were and how to use them. She had a knack for welcoming people and making them feel comfortable. She also provided words of wisdom to grow the faith community. Lydia had good business sense. There is no doubt about it.

Like all great leaders, Lydia didn’t lead from a distance. She was deeply involved in her community.

She listened.
She acted.
She believed.
She led.

And she spread the gospel.
Near and far.

While history may not always highlight them, women like Lydia played a critical role in shaping Christianity.

Lydia’s story serves as a reminder that faith is more than a journey. It is a long-lasting legacy.

How are we using our influence? Our resources? Our gifts?

Lydia’s story reminds us to say yes.

Yes, to baptism.
Yes, to hospitality.
Yes, to fellowship.
Yes, to share your faith.

Why?

Because faith is more than a journey. It is a legacy. A lasting one.

Next time, we will look at Shiphrah and find out how this obscure woman in The Bible saved an entire nation.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Creativeness in the Sacred

Comfort & Joy

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Take a break. Step away and find a quiet place.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Sit for a while. Ask for God’s presence.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Be still. Close your eyes. Breathe. Relax.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
In the depths of your soul, reach as far down as you can.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Sit for a while. Be open to God’s presence.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Ask God to sit next to you and join you in your thoughts.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Shh. Quiet. Hear God speak.

God says, Hello, precious child.
“I knit you together in your mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:9)
I am so happy to see you. I’ve been waiting for you to ask me to sit with you.
Go ahead and tell me what is on your mind.

It’s okay. Speak your mind.
Stay awhile in this sacred place.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
In this sacred space, may you find comfort and joy.

Whatever your religious beliefs are or are not, may this season of holidays, encourage you and bring you tidings of comfort and joy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

*****

Inspired by the Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen…
“Fear not,” then said the Angel, “let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour, Of pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him, From Satan’s power and might.”
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

#Comfort #Joy #Christmas #SacredSpace #NadiaCraneAuthor #Wine&Faith #RecommendedBooks

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