I remember buying our first cordless phone set with one extension for the master bedroom upstairs. Before that, our telephone was attached to the wall in the kitchen and the receiver was attached to that by a longish curly cord, which was great for fiddling with while you chatted, but annoying when you needed to …
Where Are You Tonight?
The shepherds were watching their flocks the night that Christ was born. The wise men were far to the east when the Christ star appeared, doing whatever wise men do. Joseph and Mary were crowded into a stable in Bethlehem for a census decreed by an emperor who was merely concerned about his tax base, …
Quickly Met Need
I have vivid memories of a night during the elementary years for my three children when I stood at the edge of the parking area behind our church, tears threatening to spill over, as a train ran its track only a few yards away. Its noise was the only thing loud enough to muffle the …
All I Want For Christmas
I lose track of my phone more often these days. I check my email less frequently. I scroll social media less often and more quickly, scanning for birthdays and baby pictures. I don’t have dementia (at least I don’t think so!) I have grandchildren! It’s so much easier to put a pause on my devices …
Passionate Commitment
Same dress, same hair, same smile, she shared the stage with the others, but she sat while they stood. She had my heart before I knew her name, just like my grandchildren. I enter a room with my heart extended. I can’t help it. I used to think I simply had a soft spot for …
Special Privilege
It’s officially December and Christmas is only a few weeks away. Yet December twenty-fifth would pass like any other day unless I choose to observe its significance and celebrate it. Since it falls on a Sunday, I will attend a worship service at my local church and share a meal with family, but between now …
Happy Birthday, Jesus
We’ve decided to celebrate Christmas a little differently this year with our little ones. Christmas is, after all, Jesus’s birthday and our celebrations should reflect truth more than culture, so this is the year we will start a new family tradition. Since our married children have their own families, we’ve settled on the morning of …
On Purpose
I stood in the children’s book aisle reading the latest offering of board books, three month old Amelia sleeping in her carrier next to my heart. Each time I reached to a lower shelf, she stirred restlessly. I was beginning to feel the same way, as if I was being stirred from slumber as well. …
Impress Them
My precious sister loves my children well, loves them like her own, even before she had two girls of her own. She and my daughter are very much alike as God designed them. Both taught 5th grade for three years before staying home with children. Both love to bake and their love language is giving …
Keeping The Glass Full
My husband pushed his empty iced tea glass closer and closer to the edge of the table, frustrated with the lack of service during dinner. He’s always been a good tipper, having worked in just about every position in an independent grocery from the time he was old enough to work and on through college. …
A Fitting Reply 