Walking into our corporate worship each Sunday is a joy and privilege but especially now as I am greeted with the biggest smile of recognition by my granddaughter, Amelia. She’s sitting with her parents and sometimes she’s already found her Poppy, but when I catch her eye, I know it! There’s no mistaking the joy …
Steward Well
The last of the sunset was quickly slipping below the tree line when we finally made it outside. Each evening we feed the fish at the edge of the lake behind our house. As my husband and I stood watching after spreading the bits of food across the water, the larger bluegill began breaking the …
Forgetfulness
Only a few months ago, almost two year old Thomas could be distracted from something simply by moving on to something else. As his vocabulary grows, his memory expands to include what you said he could do that you hoped he’d forget. We can go outside after we finish breakfast is quite literal for him. …
Long Suffering
Though one is ten months younger, both of my grandchildren have hit the tantrum phase hard. Having been given a choice once or twice, their little psyches have begun asserting their own wills quite forcefully in almost every situation. Squeals echo from the almost two year old while the almost one face drops and throws …
Dangerous Trap
Jesus asked a stirring question in the context of private conversation with his closest friends about identity and purpose. Is anything worth more than a soul? “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Matthew 16:26 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.16.26.NLT Weigh anything …
In His Steps
My grandson, Thomas, is just beginning to walk independently. He confidently lets go and cruises the room or the yard until he looses his balance, encounters an obstacle, or realizes his momma or daddy are too far away. He plunks down on his bottom and crawls until he reaches a familiar pair of legs. He …
No Fear of Missing Out
The kids are in bed. My husband snores contentedly by my side. The laundry and dishes are all caught up. I’ve brushed my teeth and climbed into bed, only I’m unable to close my eyes for more than a minute. I must be forgetting something. It’s simply too quiet. Everything seems to be in order …
Speaking From Experience
James and John were fishermen by trade, the rough and tumble sons of Zebedee. With these two, everything must have been a competition. Jesus chose them to be among his closest followers and nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder.” (Mark 3:17) Even before they were called out by the Christ, these boys must have been pretty …
We Are All The Same
My girls tease me that I invent ways to tell people about my grandchildren. I work in an introduction every time they’re with me, and when they’re absent, I always have pictures. Of course, they’re right. I do love to make conversation and who doesn’t love a baby, but my intent is more than mere …
The Choice Is Yours (and Mine)
“You can’t tell me what to do!” Choice words from a younger sibling hung in the air waiting to be refuted. I’m sure I reasoned that I was doing my parents a favor by reminding my sister and brother of what they were supposed to be doing (or not doing) at the time but they …
A Fitting Reply 