03. Mai 2024

We just had an international visit and I really enjoyed it! Five people from five countries: Singapore, South Africa, Brazil, Albania and Germany. All part of the OM Logos Hope ship's crew, or rather ship's community. So many cultures and such a palpable unity and love! Not that they always have it easy or everything runs smoothly. But they take care of each other. We had a great time together and a lot of fun. Leo, the Brazilian, even gave me and the kids a dance lesson so we can dance in...

19. April 2024

This morning, I read Moses' song about God's faithfulness. It says that God supports His children like an eagle teaching its young to fly. He lures them out of the nest, even if they can't fly yet - you have to learn somehow - and flies underneath them. When they fall, he catches them with his strong wings. I think that's really cool. A bit like learning to swim. But way cooler. And scarier. It takes a lot of courage - from the kids and the parents. I want to be a brave and supportive eagle mom...

05. April 2024

We tried the Listening Prayer at a conference and each of us wrote down a thought and stuck it on the notice board. We were encouraged to be brave and write down whatever came to mind so that it might be an encouragement to others. The first thing that came to my mind was "House by the sea". I don't know why. I thought I'd write down a more sensible encouragement, like "You're not alone". But then I dared to write down "House by the Sea". It was one of the first pieces of paper to disappear. I...

16. März 2024

This time I postponed my blog for a day because I went skiing yesterday. My neighbor spontaneously invited me along and it was wonderful! She knows where to find good slopes, even when the sun is warm. Sometimes you just have to take the chance! You just have to get up early enough and go up the mountain very early! There is plenty of snow, the slopes are perfectly groomed, and yet you can hear the birds singing and the sun is shining and you know it is spring. Down the valley at home in the...

02. März 2024

My friends sometimes make fun of me because when I'm interested in something, I dive right in. They call it phases. But I wouldn't call it that. It's more intense in the beginning, but I stick with it. I only talk about it more in the beginning when I'm learning and discovering something new because I'm so excited. Minimalism, plastic-free living, zero waste, wool clothing, natural food, ... I'm also excited about how it all fits together. I have tried several times, at different stages, to eat...

16. Februar 2024

This morning I read the story of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dream. But before he does, he says: "Not I, but God. God will set Pharaoh's mind at ease". (Genesis 41:16) Joseph does not want to adorn himself with borrowed plumes. He knows that he can only pass on what God gives him in wisdom and insight. Only God can solve such mysteries. Pharaoh flattered him before, but Joseph did not accept the praise. It is not that Joseph was by nature humble and unassuming. He probably proudly wore the...

03. Februar 2024

How time flies and things change! My son tested me on Portuguese vocabulary and verbs lately for my A1 level test. I used to do the same in English and Italian for him for many years. Now he is the one who motivated, encouraged and corrected me. What a blessing! My children are all grown up now. I am amazed at what they already know and understand. What kind and mature persons they are. In some ways, I feel they are more mature than I am. There was a time in my life when I did not make much...

20. Januar 2024

I'm drinking a cup of motivation boost right now (that's really what the tea is called). Tastes good! Although I am motivated to write, it´s sometimes hard for me to get started or to move from one task to the next. I'm in the process of writing a new children's novel at the moment, and I'm currently also doing the "Mins Game", a decluttering challenge where you sort out more and more things each day of the month and tick off the number on a list. I like lists and challenges, so this works...

06. Januar 2024

My husband and I did our annual review recently. So many good things happened last year! But there was also a lot of heavy stuff going on. When you go through calendars and diaries, you see how much really happens in one year! I am so grateful for the success of my books for example: "Luna and Lucy" is in its second edition ("reissue of the successful title" it says in my publisher´s catalogue, where it got a whole page!). "Fanny and Leo" has also received very good reviews online and from...

22. Dezember 2023

Only two days till Christmas! Final preparations are being made. My neighbors clean the stairwell and put the last Christmas decoration up. The shops are full, and the fridges will soon be too. It is gigantic that so many people around the world celebrate Christmas at the same time. A collective contemplative birthday party which is prepared for a whole month! I'm not really the party guy, but I like Christmas. If it's not overloaded with expectations and pressure. Just Christmas. A highlight...