“This traffic is terrible!” my husband stated flatly. “I think we can turn right and bypass Main Street.” “There’s a detour ahead,” I replied. “I’ve seen the signs the last few times I’ve driven up to visit.” The traffic wasn’t surprising really. It was half past five and we were headed into the mountains, a …
Inexcusable, Not Unforgivable
I blew it. Deep down, I knew but I refused to see it at the time. My blood was boiling. My heart raced in my chest. A million thoughts crowded my head and drowned out the still, small voice of God. “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips …
Too Spicy
Amelia and now Ezra are coffee foam connoisseurs. If I don’t offer a taste quickly enough for their liking, I can count on a tiny finger full being scooped from my cup. I enjoy lattes made at home and so does their mom. Lately, I discovered a new way to enjoy my morning dose of …
Afterglow
I hear airplane, sounding more like air pain, from my grandsons every time we’re outside together. It doesn’t matter if they’re excavating the mulch bed or playing baseball, even the little boys sound off, eyes heavenward, searching for the flash of silver or the trail of jet exhaust. Thomas, who is four, has learned to …
Signs of Life
Four hundred pounds of grass seed lay dormant beneath the cracked red clay. Rain was just what it needed to germinate. A haze of green now blankets the field and I inhale deeply, releasing a prayer of gratitude with every glimpse. I am beyond grateful for the rain that soaked into the ground as I …
Humbled
Amelia and Ezra experienced their first Camp Lolly and Poppy last week while mom and dad cruised through their fifth anniversary. I’ve kept these two overnight a few times to prepare for our week together and little Ezra, at almost seventeen months, usually waved goodbye cheerfully and settled right in for the night. This time, …
Undeveloped Fruit
Many figs remain on the now barren branches of my fig trees but the fruit is no good. Either it never ripened or by the time it was ready, it tasted fermented. We were concerned when the harvest season began later than usual. During the first few weeks, we enjoyed gallons of delicious fruit, sharing …
Never Fear
Timothy and Ezra, nearing two, crave independence. They are big enough to walk on their own but resist holding hands when it’s necessary unless they’re sleepy, and then they prefer to be held. Observing them playing, you might call them fearless. Running headlong down our fairly steep concrete drive, their own momentum making it difficult …
Gain Your Footing
Our home was established thirty-four years ago when my husband and I married. We have inhabited many different dwellings but as the old saying goes, home is where the heart is and my heart is forever bound up in God-ordained oneness with Paul’s. In fact, these words were clearly communicated in our marriage vows. ““But …
Where Was He?
Before I leave to pick up Amelia and Ezra a couple of mornings a week while their mom goes to the gym, I have learned to close my bedroom doors and latch the baby gate at the bottom of the stairs. Little Ezra is quick and he is quiet. Once he’s inside, he usually goes …
A Fitting Reply 