My place of retreat had been attacked. My memories didn’t match this sight: broken branches, dirty debris, rogue rocks and mud everywhere. Record-breaking rains had flooded my favorite trail. After the water receded, I braved the large puddles and set off into the unrecognizable woods. Beneath the canopy of flourishing green, the plants and paths…
Category: Truth
A Good, Good Father
“But Daddy, Why?” our innocent five-year-old daughter stared up into my husband’s face, her eyes conveying she could not comprehend his stance. “It’s not safe for you to drive a car by yourself right now, you need to wait until you’re older, ” he patiently explained. Her puzzled face conveyed that she didn’t agree with…
Everyday: A Day for Grace
I stumbled into the kitchen, weary from tending to a sick daughter most of the night before. Searching the cupboard I sleepily began the usual routine of making breakfast and packing lunches. Another daughter, (this one bright- eyed and bushy- tailed), appeared asking questions. Questions which made no sense at that hour, on that little…
Puzzling Over Pieces
“I will come back to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.” Jeremiah 29:10b NIV “Mommy, I need help!” Standing in the doorway, I stared aghast into our preschooler’s bedroom. She had found her new puzzles from Grandma. The five thirty-piece puzzles that hadn’t come with a picture. And,…
Entertaining The Apple
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV) Setting: The Garden of Eden. Today’s target: Eve. Consequences: Potential fatality for all humanity. Satan slithered up and spoke with a simple,…
Jesus Insured
Ever wonder how God’s greatest gifts can become a burden? How the enemy manages to manipulate our minds and hurt our hearts with worry and fret over God’s gifts? If you are a mom, one day you held your precious child in your arms for the first time. Children are such a blessing! There’s nothing…
A Joyful Noise
“An instrument fitting,” I asked our fifth-grade daughter. “What is that?” “It’s where I get to try out the instruments to determine which I would like to play in band,” she patiently explained to her uninitiated mom. “Plus, I already know a bit of piano although the teachers say we don’t have to have any…
Humbled
I knew Jesus as a little girl. Relatives report that I, at age four, spoke of Him as a friend. Growing up brought trials. But I knew I could always count on God. I saw Him as a loving Father, always caring for me. Then, in my early thirties, came a shocking cancer diagnosis. I…
Perseverance, Not Control
Wearily I dropped into bed. Not only physically exhausted, but emotional exhausted as well. Physical mountains to conquer and multitudes of concerns weighted my heart. Lord, where is that light at the end of the tunnel? Why can’t I find it? I bet you too know that feeling well. Maybe you too have carried a…
Time for Jesus = Abundant Life
Life. Is. Crazy. I don’t need to tell you – I’m sure you could tell me! So much to do, so little time. Ever have your mind refuse to turn off? Mentally scrolling through that to-do list, wondering how it will ever all get done? When will I find joy and peace in the everyday?…