We in the Pacific Northwest treasure our Orcas. If you are fortunate enough to spot one or a pod of these beautiful black and white “killer” whales in the Puget Sound, you understand the meaning of “electrifying.” They are majestic, graceful, purposeful, and magnificent. To Native Americans, they symbolize family bonds, the strength of community, [...]
Reflections on Nomadland - by Leona Bergstrom Since winning the 2021 Academy Award for Best Picture, actress, and director, there has been much interest in the movie Nomadland. Based on the non-fiction book written by Jessica Bruder (whom we heard speak at Seattle University in 2018), the story is about a widowed woman who loses [...]
By Leona Bergstrom, Re-Ignite I am an old Monarch. No, I’m not the Queen of England. I’m a butterfly currently hanging out in a beautiful garden in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been fluttering around here for a couple of weeks and have seen a lot of things come and go—blossoms, people, and insects. On an ordinary [...]
Author's note: This was written in 2016, and while the depth of emotion is similar to then, the reality of our Easter weekend in 2021 continues to be so much different. Limited Easter egg hunts, few frilly dresses, no choirs singing. Still in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, we continue to face many layers [...]
March 12, 2021 Yesterday (March 11, 2021) marked the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization's official declaration of a global Coronavius-19 pandemic. The day was observed with memorials honoring the over 525,000 Americans who have died from COVID 19 in the past 12 months. We also listened to scientists, physicians, and politicians express optimism, [...]
For a sizzling second-half marriage, you need... Grace, Grit, and Giggles Every year when we go out for dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary, my husband asks our server the same question, “Do you know what happened on June 17, 1972?” Then with a wink and a smile, he quickly adds, “Besides our wedding, of [...]
written by Richard Bergstrom, D.Min. President, ChurchHealth/Re-Ignite I recently watched the new Pixar Movie Soul about Joe Gardner, a music teacher in a New York City school. In the film's opening, Joe’s principal announces his temporary teaching job has become permanent. That news should make him happy. Unfortunately, his heart is not in teaching but [...]
I am proud of my ability to find my way. I have always assumed I had a flawless internal compass that leads me to my desired destination. However, now that Siri lives inside my iPhone and gives dependable and accurate driving directions, I’ve concluded that historically I may have spent more time than necessary wandering around [...]
On a cold winter night in 1816, a young Austrian priest walked the streets of his parish. He was stunned by the tranquility and calm— a stark contrast from the years of chaos, conflict, and war. Experiencing this new serenity, Joseph Mohr penned a simple, reflective poem. Several years later, the Church assigned Fr. Mohr [...]
NOTE: Dr. Bergstrom will host a Third Calling Conversation Webinar about MOTIVATION on THURSDAY, November 12, 2020; 10 am PST. Click here to register. What motivates you? by Richard Bergstrom, D.Min., President ChurchHealth/Re-Ignite Do you know what motivates you? Or, to put it another way, “What inspires you to get you up in the morning?” What if [...]
