Especially Zinnias
I’d waited. Indeed, all summer I’d been waiting. Watching. Hoping. In April, I’d determined that, after having been a bit late in pulling up the past season’s dried remains from the flower garden atop our root cellar, I was not going to plant seeds. Instead,…
Comfort Across the Coffee Table
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15 NIV). “My husband’s having an affair.” Her words stopped me in my tracks. Returning my mug to the coffee table, our eyes met. “Really? How do you know?” “He told me. Just yesterday….
STAY
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3–ESV). Stayed–v. (past tense) to continue or remain in a place. It’s one of the first commands many dog owners teach their pups– Stay! Among others, like…
Above All, Jesus
This is a dark, dangerous world, Little One. It doesn’t take more than several seconds tuned in to the television to know, and just open the newspaper. But yesterday, despite the heaviness that weighed–the barbell a yoke bearing weights of worry, fear, and sorrow–I found…
When We Fear Our ‘War Room’ Failed
…O ye of little faith (Matthew 6:30–KJV). What happens when the War Room doesn’t work? That’s how a woman I know began a recent post. It was quite a hook, and I read on. She continued by telling in detail how her marriage had been failing,…
Lesson Learned Through an Unexpected Teacher
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Her hair was matted, bits of trash littering the curb upon which she sat. As I approached, I paid particular attention to the crosswalk signal beyond her. Realizing…
A Meaningful Lesson in a ‘Not-So-Mo’ Moment
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1–NIV)” The other afternoon, I had what I’d call a “Not-So-Mo” moment. There I was, having a really good day, not feeling particularly snarky or irritable, nor easily miffed. It had…
Dwelling Place
“How lovely is your dwelling place… I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God. Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young… How…
Reach for the Stars
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground” (Theodore Roosevelt). Having run a few errands, our son Ian returned home with several bags and a story. Now, it’s my personal opinion that parents have done something right when they’ve taught a…
Thank You, Sweet Momma!
“To give them… the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified” (from Isaiah 61:3–NKJV). My Sweet Momma, As I reflect on Mother’s Day and what it means…