I didn't expect to see it in Chile but it was there... in facial features, names, and architecture: the influence of Germany The town of Los Muermos, Chile, population 6,000, is located in a rural municipal district of 16,000 people. The majority of the population is poor, but – in drastic contrast to what we see in Brazil – they show great pride in ownership. Notice the clean appearance of these homes and the sidewalks surrounding them. Renaissance Man and I were invited to Chile specifically to visit this little town... and to meet some girls there. What beautiful memories we made! From our own experience as parents of two daughters to our work with Hope Unlimited for Children, one thing I know for certain: No ... Keep Reading...
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The Mudroom: Old House Renovation Story
What's the next chapter in our Old House Renovation Story? The Mudroom It's not a very glamorous topic, I don't suppose, but the addition of the Mudroom to our old house was actually inspired – if I do say so myself. The conversation began because the house was built in 1907, and in the 99 years thereafter, no covered parking was ever added. As much as my Renaissance Man travels, he wanted an attached garage to add another layer of peace of mind for himself and Yours Truly. I really appreciated that – and staying out of the rain and cold! Fortunately, there was plenty of room at the back of the house to add a 2-car garage. It sounds like an easy enough project, but what I've never told you is ... Keep Reading...
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Why is it so hard to let others bless us?
I come from a family of blessers. Not the "Bless your heart" kind, although they're around me, too. I'm talking about good people who do things to bless others. I learned from the best. And so I'm a blesser, too. I enjoy doing "little things" (or big ones, when possible) to bless other people. But I've noticed that we blessers often have a problem: We have a hard time letting others bless us. Since last Friday, Renaissance Man and I have been on the receiving end of the blessings spectrum. Big blessings. Never-imagined blessings. One hundred percent undeserved blessings. We've had lots of opportunities to practice gratitude. A member of a Hope Unlimited for Children partner church in South ... Keep Reading...
