Category: Amy’s Blog

The Real Winner

Amy Schisler

2020 Joshua 1 9There’s been a lot said about this past weekend’s Super Bowl game with many people talking about the halftime show, the Chiefs first championship in fifty years, and the young quarterback who led his team to an epic comeback. But there is something very special that everyone is overlooking. A true testament to female empowerment, a real victory that should be applauded, and a beautiful triumph of the human spirit. It’s the story about a young woman who is still trying to beat the odds, still struggling, still finding her place in the world, but who is pushing on. 

To tell this story, I’d like to start by telling a story that begins in 2008 with three little girls… Read more →

Along For the Ride

Amy Schisler

I’ve written many blogs about change over the years. I’ve always said I welcome change, and I do, even though sometimes change can bring about unexpected circumstances and even trials. Change can be scary; it can be turbulent; and it can be wonderful. One never really knows what lies around the bend even on a road that has been traveled hundreds of times. And sometimes, even anticipated change can bring with it a wave of uncertainty. 2002 waves

Though we had been preparing for possible change for several months, when it happened… Read more →

With Justice For All

Amy Schisler

2020 Rebecca CUA shirtMany years ago, Ken and I became certain that our oldest daughter would grow up to be an attorney. My aunt once called her ‘strong-willed.’ Her teachers said she was ‘gifted.’ As a child, her debate and reasoning skills were beyond compare for her age. Even after skipping a grade, she continued to show wisdom beyond her years with her ability to apply logic to any situation. 

Without prompting from us, Rebecca joined the Mock Trial team in high school and then captained her Mock Trial team in college. The local attorneys who stood in as judges at her school meets labeled her ‘the bulldog.’ Standing up in a courtroom, facing a judge, and arguing a case fueled her intense passion, not only for the law but for what was right and wrong, just and unjust, fair and unfair.

The only thing that had us questioning her career path was her extreme empathy. Was she tough enough to be an attorney? Did she have thick enough skin to fight for her clients without becoming emotionally involved? Was her honesty and integrity best served in another sector? Was this really the right path for her?

Well, here we are… Read more →

Your Servant is Listening

Amy Schisler

One of my all-time favorite songs is the hymn, Here I am Lord. I can’t help myself–every time I hear it, I find myself fighting back tears. The lyrics speak to me, to the depths of my soul, to that place where only God’s voice can be heard.

Here I am Lord
Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go Lord
If You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
The hymn recalls the words of Isaiah (6:8) who responded to God’s call for service.
Isaiah 6-8.jpg

Today’s reading from 1 Samuel 1-10, 19-20 brought that song to mind. In the reading, Samuel runs to Eli three times, telling the prophet that Samuel heard him calling. The third time, Eli recognizes that it is God whom Samuel is hearing. He instructs Samuel on how to answer, and the youth, upon being called again, answers as he is told, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

As I read these words this morning, I couldn’t help but wonder… Read more →

My “European” Vacation

Amy Schisler

The Europeans do things right when it comes to vacations. To them, a vacation isn’t simply a long weekend or a week at the beach with a drink in one and a cell phone in the other. No, their vacations last for an entire month, and the cell phone, email, What’s App, and all other forms of communication are for family business only. In Italy, August is typically the month where everyone–yes, almost the entire country–goes on vacation. Any major projects being tackled on July 31 will have to wait to be completed after August 30. It was something my husband had to get used to when he started working for an Italian company but something I wished we, as Americans, embraced.

When I realized that all of my children were going to be out of college/law school for approximately four weeks over Christmas, I decided that a European vacation was in order for me. So, between December 10 and January 7, my entire focus was on my family, my friends, and my Savior.2020 Leonetti family values

Not only was it the best thing I could have done for myself and my family, it taught me some valuable lessons… Read more →

The Dawning of a New Year

Amy Schisler

As I write this, it is December 31st, the last day of 2019, a day of celebration, of ushering out the old and in the new, of resolutions and promises and hope for a better tomorrow. As I look back over the past year, a tidal wave of emotions sweeps over me. So many ups, so many downs, much laughter, many tears, and a multitude of mistakes.

It is the dawning of a new year, a fresh start. What is it I want to take with me as I leave this year behind and leap into a new year? 2019 CO Sunrise.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joy, regret, wisdom, and so much more… Read more →