Paul and Silas sang praise to the Lord at the midnight hour from their prison cell. I hum hymns and choruses long past midnight until the words come back, verse after verse, to soothe my newborn grandson as I did my own children. He may not yet understand the lyrics but the familiar tunes will …
You Finish What You Start
I’ve reached the age where my former penchant for multitasking has turned into easy distractibility. I start four or five tasks only to discover them partly completed later in the same day or week. At the same time, I am finding myself more productive in this particular season. I am motivated by time with my …
God Knows
Last week, two packages didn’t arrive the day we expected, but the next day my husband discovered them at our neighbor’s front door. We’re at the end of the road, so it’s easy enough to spot the mistake. Nonetheless it’s frustrating. We’re definitely spoiled to the convenience of home delivery! Packages follow us where we …
Insurance
When I was in 5th grade, the Gideons still came into public schools to distribute personal New Testaments to any child who wanted a copy of God’s Word free of charge. I don’t remember anyone in my class declining the offer and we each went home that day with God’s Word in hand, imitation leather …
Acknowledge
“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.”Philippians 1:12 NLThttps://www.bible.com/116/php.1.12.nlt I love to give gifts but I’m terrible at surprises! I put off shopping too far in advance because even if I find the perfect thing, (especially …
Desire
I have to be careful about saying I want something now because if it is in my husband’s power to give it, he will! He has such a generous nature. Once he decides on a thing, he follows through swiftly. I’m the one who deliberates for days and then decides I really don’t need anything …
Beautiful
Sunsets are my favorite. I haven’t been awake to see very many sunrises, but I’ve collected photos over the past few years of spectacular sunsets. I’ve even watched the sun set from the airport and then again after takeoff. While we were in the building process, it’s fair to say I have as many pictures …
First
My husband and I are both firstborn of three children, so we share certain characteristics that make us good leaders but also lead to tension at times. We’re both “take charge” types who prefer to be in control of a situation. We both struggle with needing help or direction. We’re both avid protectors, zealously guarding …
Teacher
My daughter taught 5th grade through the pandemic, both virtually and in person, making her third year of teaching even more of a challenge. She has always been very conscientious, both as a student and as a teacher. She often sets unrealistic expectations for herself and judges herself more harshly than necessary, but she takes …
Light
Each of our three children made a trip to Camp Saint Christopher on Seabrook Island for the Barrier Island program during 5th grade. My husband and I took turns chaperoning these trips; he with our two boys and I with our girl. Many things stand out in my memory about my year, but the Nighttime …
A Fitting Reply 