Delivered by Daffodils
[“Is it okay to still have children?” Ocasio-Cortez asks. Blythe Pepino — lead singer of the British band “Vaults” and outspoken polyamorist (It’s a thing. Look it up!) — believes no and thus, is moved to action — bringing to life “Birth Strike,” an organization that…
Let Your Light Shine
“You are the light of the world…. let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16 — Holman Bible). When I taught Christian education some years ago, I was affectionately…
MEPS — More Extraordinary Plans, Son
‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans to prosper and not harm you, to give you a hope and a future’ (Jer. 29:11). This morning, without any real fanfare or hype, I–though terribly under-dressed in pjs worn for the…
Discovering Joy in the ‘Desiring’ Journey
Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires (Ps. 37:4). I once thought Ps. 37:4 meant that all my “Gimme, gimme, God…” prayers would be answered. Gimme a new bike! Gimme that person as a friend! Gimme a good grade!…
Being the Answer
Now you are the Body of Christ, and members individually (I Cor. 12:27). Our recent trip to New York City to celebrate my husband Bill’s 50th birthday was nearly perfect. We ate great food; visited art museums and galleries; enjoyed the festivities of the Big Apple…
Be the Answer
And let us not grow weary of doing good… (Gal. 6:9a). “Would you happen to know where the water chestnuts are?” A man’s voice startled me as I fully focused on a shelf of cereal. I turned to see an elderly man bent slightly as he stood…
Blind Faith
I don’t see well — literally and, honestly, sometimes figuratively. Each morning, one of the first things I do is open my eyes, one at a time, and insert a contact lens. Blink. Blink. Just like that — clearer vision. And each morning, one of…
Prepare Him Room
Let’s be honest. He’s probably gotten a pretty bad rap for a long time. Personally, I’ve resented him. Felt bitter toward him. Questioned him. And, in truth, blamed him — that Innkeeper in the little town of Bethlehem, who told Joseph, “No room.” Perhaps he…
Simeon’s Song of Thanksgiving
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God (Luke 2:28). I don’t know why. For me, this is the season of tears. From Thanksgiving until the New Year, I cry easily. Over little things. A song on the radio. Seeing a poverty-stricken person. A commercial…
For Shalom
Perhaps her name was Salome; after all, the Samaritan Woman certainly had a name. I wonder about her. Did she wake up that morning aware that her life would be forever changed by a man she’d never met? Or like many mornings, I wonder if…