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Beware the Comfort Zone!

Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone.

Category: Reflections

The Culture (and Economics) of Living Day to Day

Boy, that title sounds like the name of a college course or something. Don’t worry, I’m not that technical, even if I tried. It doesn’t stop me from hearing the voice of my college Econ professor though when I read it. In the States, we worry about living “paycheck to paycheck”, hoping our money will… Read More The Culture (and Economics) of Living Day to Day

August 13, 2014November 19, 2017 Marlene Bray4 Comments

Are You “Idiotic”? Ann Coulter Might Think So…

When I woke up this morning, I was welcomed by Ann Coulter’s lovely smile on a news website. Not my first choice to start off the day, but she wrote a column that did catch my attention. The headline? “Ebola Doc’s Condition Downgraded to ‘Idiotic’”. Wow. So basically, anyone who helps anyone, and it happens… Read More Are You “Idiotic”? Ann Coulter Might Think So…

August 7, 2014November 28, 2016 Marlene Bray4 Comments

We Are Back in the Philippines!

Or…alternative title, “How We Were Almost Arrested Doing Kids Ministry”! OK, a tad dramatic, but yes, we did have a bit of an interesting experience with the TSA as we were leaving the United States. I am just now over the trauma enough to talk about it. OK, a tad dramatic again… When we were… Read More We Are Back in the Philippines!

July 24, 2014November 19, 2017 Marlene BrayLeave a comment

‘Tis the Season…

Yes, I realize Christmas is less than 5 days away, so last Sunday should not have shocked me. But let me preface this by saying, I never want to hear anyone whine and cry about having to wait in line at Walmart for 10 minutes again. OK? I was part of an intrepid shopping team… Read More ‘Tis the Season…

December 20, 2013November 19, 2017 Marlene BrayLeave a comment

Gone Too Soon

I stink at condolences.  I have a hard time sounding truly sympathetic, even when I really am. Everything I say sounds forced, fake, or inappropriate. While some people have the gift of compassion, and can say just the right thing, quote the right scripture, and offer the perfect comforting sentiment, I have a hard time… Read More Gone Too Soon

November 23, 2013November 19, 2017 Marlene Bray8 Comments

20 Things No One Told You About Moving Overseas

One of the more popular comments we get from people about living overseas is “You are so lucky! You are living my dream! What an incredible way to live!”. They’re right, it’s pretty darn amazing. When we made the decision to move to the Philippines, we knew there would be issues, inconveniences, and life would… Read More 20 Things No One Told You About Moving Overseas

November 12, 2013November 28, 2016 Marlene Bray93 Comments

The Great White Peacekeeper

So here’s one for the “never a dull moment” file. Last Saturday after our kids Saturday ministry, my awesome teaching partner Vergie and I were chatting, eating, and recovering from class like we always do. Every week, kids still pass by her place, popping their little heads in to say hello, and to see if… Read More The Great White Peacekeeper

September 5, 2013November 19, 2017 Marlene Bray2 Comments

Thankful

Things have been tough the past few weeks. I miss my kid, who has been back in the States for a little over a month now. I’ve been missing friends in the States on a level I haven’t felt since being here. Finances have been tighter than they have been in a long time. Our… Read More Thankful

August 16, 2013November 19, 2017 Marlene Bray3 Comments

The United Church of the Brewed

I realize Starbucks is a very polarizing company. There are basically two camps. Camp Number One loves Starbucks, cannot live without their Starbucks fix, flits from street corner to street corner, getting refills of their caramel hazelnut half caf mochacchino without whip, and of course, posts pictures of each and every cup on Instagram. The… Read More The United Church of the Brewed

July 17, 2013November 28, 2016 Marlene BrayLeave a comment

17 Years…In the Blink of an Eye

Tomorrow we fly to Manila to put our oldest kid on a plane headed to the States. She will finish her final high school year there, amongst the friends she grew up with, in an environment she is well adapted to. Except for one minor detail, we won’t be there. Obviously, we always knew this… Read More 17 Years…In the Blink of an Eye

July 10, 2013November 19, 2017 Marlene BrayLeave a comment

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