Detained in Tel Aviv–Part 1
“The Lord is my shepherd…” (Psalm 23:1a). Once upon a time, a much younger me was detained in Tel Aviv. That’s right. Sounds like the making of a marvelous and quite suspenseful fiction story, does it not? Well, this one’s true. It’s a story from…
When Something Toxic Taints Your Dreams
For her, it wasn’t a dream really. It was more a desire. A thirst, to be precise. Several years ago, having traveled much of the day from our North Carolina home to the wedding of our niece in Ohio, we’d finally stopped for the night….
Smile and Say ‘Daddy’!
“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure” (Ephesians 1:5 NLT). Photographs. Life’s miraculous moments captured via a contraption I can’t…
Step by Step!
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Ps. 37:23, 24 NIV). Here we are. Standing at the brink of the unknown. Ready to take a step beyond the trailhead. Holding our pen…
A New Year’s Letter to Lila
“But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine… Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you…’.” (Isaiah…
Lessons Learned from Linus and His Blanket
“…Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10 KJV). Our family loves Christmas movies. We love the funny ones, like Elf, which make us laugh. We love the tender ones, like The Nativity…
The Small Things Matter!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 NIV). Walking up the stairs, I called ahead, “Did you get your laundry put away, dear?” “Yep,” our daughter replied. “All done.” In the dim lights…
Unwrapping Rest in the Season’s Stress
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5 NIV). I could hear her weariness, though her message was merely a short text–I tossed and turned all night. I’m so stressed about finding a home and getting settled. I want…
The Last “1st” Day of 2021
“What do these stones mean” (Joshua 4:6b NIV)? It struck me today–December 1st, 2021. This is the last “1st” day of the year. And here I am, still trying to apply my 2021 New Year’s resolutions, those hopes and dreams, goals and aspirations, created on January…
The 4-Corner Covering of Our Thanksgiving Tables
“Righteousness and justice are the foundations of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, LORD. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness”…