Four grandchildren, similar in so many ways, bear traces of genetic code passed through familial lines from our forebears beyond the five generations for which I can account. I am so much Myrtle passed through David to me, but I am also Ansel through Joyce. The lines expand each time a marriage happens and the …
More Than Words
“Good night, God bless you, sweet dreams, and I love you.” Thomas repeats to his baby brother, Timothy. I heard these words nightly as a child. I spoke them to my children and now to their children. My son says them to his daughter and my daughter to her sons. They offer a daily reminder …
God’s Obedient Child
“No!” he intoned, and stomped his little foot. Today he did not want to change out of his pajamas. Yesterday he didn’t want to use the potty. The day before, he wanted dessert but he wouldn’t even taste his dinner. Why is this one syllable so easy to learn to use? Why not, “yes, Mom! …
Saving Siri
“Mumble-mumble-mumble wock,” mimicked Thomas, copycatting Amelia yet again. He thinks it’s funny to repeat what he thinks he hears. Younger by almost a year, she speaks very well but he’s made a game of echoing her baby talk and she picks up the phrase and they repeat it over and over laughing all the while. …
Sleeping On A Rock
Hannah’s testimony to Eli the priest when she dedicated Samuel to the Lord has been used on many a baby announcement or nursery wall. ”I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.“ 1 Samuel 1:27 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/1sa.1.27.NIV She was reminding Eli of a prayer and a promise …
What are You Communicating?
Watching my new grandson learn to control his facial muscles is precious and comical, but if some of his scrunchy faces were on an adult or adolescent, they may not be endearing or amusing. Body language accompanied by facial expression can be inviting or off-putting. I teach teenagers in Bible study and my main goal …
No Time To Waste
I love my grandchildren and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them, but one thing is far more important than all the rest. Feeding them nutritious food and making sure they get plenty of rest is incredibly important. Being watchful and keeping them safe from harm is essential. Reading to them, showing them how …
All About Jesus
Thomas is memorizing scripture at age two. Of course I’m incredibly proud, and of course I’m helping every chance I get. When his mom started teaching him a new letter each week, she naturally included a Bible verse. He is so eager to learn and retains information so readily, but what neither of us realized …
That Doesn’t Taste Right
I keep regular coffee on hand for guests and family but I prefer my coffees and teas infused with flavor, and the more flavorful the better. When my husband’s mother came to visit this weekend, I pointed out the regular blend pods, grouped in one corner of the coffee drawer, that she would enjoy. She’s …
Invited By The Bride
When you’re invited to a wedding, where do you like to sit? If you’re close kin, your seat is usually reserved, but when you get to chose, do you sit close or near the back? Do you choose an aisle seat for a quick escape or so you can see the faces of father and …
A Fitting Reply 