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 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”…
Prancer–Our Golden Receiver
“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). We have a dog, the second of this particular kind known by most as a Golden Retriever. We chose this breed…
Comfort in Lament–Soul Care When You’re Grieving
“I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: Do not ignore my cry for relief. You came near whenever I called you; you said, ‘Do not be afraid.’ You championed my cause, LORD; you redeemed my life.”…
God of Connections–Part 1
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His…” (II Chronicles 16:9 AMP). I stand amazed. God supports and connects people for His glory and their good, I’m completely convinced…
Just Pray–Remembering Auntie Irene
She was only a mite of a woman. Barely 4’8″, Auntie Irene made up for her small stature with sass. Honestly, she looked very much like a tiny Japanese Josei (lady), as do many who are of 100% Finnish descent, which she was. Irene and…
Lila’s Letter to Her Little Sister
Dear Emory Wren, Welcome to the world! Though I’ve barely been here a year myself, my eyes have been wide open to learn so many wonderful things–several of which, with Mora’s help, I’d love to share with you. First, dogs are wonderful! Like Mora, ‘dog’…
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….