Oh Mr. Lee, You’re the ‘Violin’ the Lord Loves
“But now, this is what the Lord says–He who created you… He who formed you…: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when…
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…
Rodeo Dream Realized on a Horse Named Smoky
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4–NIV). Ever since our daughter Allie was a wee one, when her sudden presence in our home still seemed much like a dream come true, she’s loved horses. Unlike many children…
Rising from Bitter to Behold the Begotten
This is a personal portrayal of Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law. To read the entire biblical account, see Ruth from the Old Testament. ******* How many times has my heart been broken? The ash heap became a familiar place, I promise you. My wailing, too, to those…
God’s Gift of a Good Dog–Part 2
(Part 1 is linked at the end of this post–where I introduce you to my earliest memory, explaining my love for dogs! And don’t forget to comment for an opportunity to offer help for a furry friend.) ******* Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and…
Confessions of a Thief
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you (I Peter 5:7–NLT). I fear I may be a thief. There. I said it. “How so?” perhaps one wonders. After all, it’s not that I pickpocket, and I don’t shoplift at the local…
Good Friday Hope
Who would have imagined there’d be Good Friday hope found in a Kalanchoe? Winter over, it was recently time to purge the gardens for replanting—strip brittle bean vines and pull up dried tomato plants, uproot any remaining beets and harvest several ripe spaghetti squash. What…
When Wounds Are Buried Deep
I’m not what most would call adventurous. I’m a homebody. I like to play it safe, appreciate routine, cleanliness, and order. Recently, however, I stepped out of my comfort zone. My husband and I were invited on an excursion to Brimstone—an ATV recreation park in…
The Art of Invitation
It’s an art. Yet, in our busy lives, we miss it, or perhaps we purposefully choose to ignore it. God demonstrated it in his desire to be in relationship with us–calling out “Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9) to Adam and Eve that they might walk…