Faith & Living

7 Days in the Holy Land

mcherkezian — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:28:03 -0600

View all of Adam's photos from his trip to Israel here.

DAY 1

Sixteen hours ago I was shivering in New York City, now I'm getting shivers down my spine in the holy land.

It's an awesome feeling to be in Israel, in a place so full of spiritual signifigance that it's hard to step anywhere a prophet, savior, or other Biblical hero hasn't stepped before you.

Off the Beaten Path

jbloustein — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:38:50 -0600

Whether it’s a day trip or a two-week vacation, there’s nothing like travel to help you reflect on what’s important in life.

I should know. I’m a host on the Travel Channel and I’m on the road more than 200 days a year.

Travel should inspire you. You can get back to nature or stand on top of a mountain for a whole new perspective. Sometimes it’s about swallowing your fear and breaking out of your comfort zone. And, of course, there’s the pilgrimage. Let me show you what I mean.

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Inspiration Vacations

jbloustein — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:23 -0600

March is a month of anticipation.

Certainly Lent is a form of anticipation, and of course most of us are begging for signs of spring. Longer days help, but it’s the hint of warmth in the air that really delivers the dose of hope we all crave at this time of year. Here in the Northeast when temperatures start nosing above 50, you know that better weather is right around the corner.

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Minute Vacations

mcherkezian — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:31:13 -0600

I stopped at the foot of the stairs and set down the vacuum.

I’d been running up and down, getting a bedroom ready for guests. The phone had rung nonstop, the breakfast dishes were still on the table and none of this was getting that writing assignment done.

It was time for a minute vacation. I stuck a CD into the player, dropped into a chair, put my head back and let Gregorian chant transport me for a moment to an unhurried world.

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Majestic Mountain View

admin — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 11:19:00 -0600

I'm fortunate to live in a valley surrounded by mountains and boundless blue sky.

But even this kind of beauty blends into the scenery when I don't take time to appreciate it. In the morning, I'm usually rushing off to work.

Evenings, I make sure to take the long way home so I can savor the view. The way the light hits the mountains captures every ridge God carved into them.

Words of thanks always escape me then—for the work I was able to put in that day, and the evening ahead I've been given to rest.

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Light of the World

admin — Tue, 01 May 2007 09:02:00 -0500

The Louisbourg Lighthouse in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, has special meaning for me.

Not only because my husband and I went there on our third anniversary, but also because it makes me think of the song "The Lighthouse" by Ronnie Hinson.

What a powerful reminder of Jesus' promise: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

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My Weekend at St. Meinrad's

mcherkezian — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:57:54 -0600

Happy Birthday!” said my friend Lurlene, handing me a neatly wrapped present.

“Thanks,” I said. I could tell it was a book. A new devotional or an inspiring novel, maybe? I held it up to my ear and shook it. Lurlene giggled. It was my fiftieth birthday and Lurlene knew I’d been feeling restless lately.

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Starring... You!

admin — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:21:00 -0500

You don't have to dream to be a part of your favorite movie, just visit one of these locations where they were filmed.

Madison County, Iowa
What do John Wayne and Clint Eastwood have in common? Both have connections here. This is where Wayne was born, and it's also the setting for the film The Bridges of Madison County, starring Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Look for the Roseman Covered Bridge.

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Places with Soul

mcherkezian — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:27:26 -0600

A log cabin constructed from raw tree branches. A pilgrimage destination in the high desert. A '50s architectural gem covered with "scales."

These may not be the images that immediately come to mind when you think of houses of worship. But some of the most unusual sacred spots around the country are also some of the most remarkable. So come along with us on a journey to discover some truly unique spiritual destinations.

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The Healing Wall

admin — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:38:23 -0600

As the curator of the collection at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, I help identify and catalog the thousands of mementos visitors have left at the wall. Some are heartbreaking, some mysterious, all have a story to tell.

An M16 rifle clip was left by a Vietnam veteran who was once given the assignment of salvaging combat gear from soldiers killed in action. As he removed the clip from one body, he found himself staring into the sightless eyes of a friend.

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