My grandson unknowingly exposed a quirk of mine as he’s begun to talk, quite possibly one I’ve unwittingly passed on to his mother. His words come full speed now in groups of two or three, repeating everyone and everything. My daughter noticed that he would not say shoes and when she asked him what they …
Like a Child
My daughter and my sister are kid magnets. Children single them out in public places as approachable. A little one may come right up and start a conversation or latch onto them unexpectedly, surprising them and the parents or caregivers. It’s definitely how God wired them as they both chose teaching as a vocation, but …
Set An Example
My grandson is almost two and he finally has words, in fact he has new words every single day! He parrots two and three words at a time in conversation with the adults in the room precisely as if he understands every word and is participating in the dialog. He even uses the words in …
Is Your Conscience Clear?
My daughter and I were venting when her husband rounded the corner. Had he heard what I’d just shared in confidence? I had spoken heatedly and from frustration rather than grace. I immediately regretted my words. I tasted them still on my tongue. It’s not the first time I’ve swallowed hard to choke down the …
Refreshments
Summer has arrived with its ceaseless stream of day camps and vacation Bible schools. We participated as a family during all the years my children were at home. I volunteered in their groups or classes and when they were old enough, they became volunteers as well. All three were good with children. Two were excellent …
Wait For It
I paid the balance due for our vacation rental this morning. Only one more month! We’re looking forward to a few days at the beach during my granddaughter’s birthday week. It’s the gift her parents requested. She has enough toys already and she only turns one once. Lord willing, we’ll digitally capture some firsts and …
Remember Mercy
In just a few short months, my grandson, Thomas, will be two. In the last week alone, he’s learned six new words. He’s finally realizing that not every baby picture is his cousin, Amelia. Many of them are him and he points to himself when he sees them. Today, he brought his mom a water …
Called By Name
I remember being called Mrs. Ross as a newlywed and thinking Mrs. Ross is my mother in law. I readily identified as Paul’s wife but Mrs. Ross was a title that took some growing into. In fact, I commonly asked to be called Mrs. LeAnn because it seemed less formal and made it easier for …
What Joy!
Pure joy! A most apt description of grandchildren now that I have them. So many people, friends and strangers alike, told me how wonderful this tertiary generation would prove to be but before they came into the world, before I held them and knew them, I simply could not comprehend. The capacity of my heart …
I’ll Fly Away
Funerals are for the benefit of the living, not for the deceased. Families may find comfort in the condolences, but the greatest comfort is found in the assurances of God in Scripture. I was reminded just this week of the incredible gift of knowing a dear one is eternally secure in the afterlife. This knowledge …
A Fitting Reply 