Our collective gaze is directed toward the western North Carolina mountains. Places I’ve known and visited as a child- Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Black Mountain- so recently devastated by a storm that should have never reached their borders, were caught completely off their guard. When Helene stalled out over the Smokies after several days of …
Compatibility
The church where I was married to my husband of thirty-three years called a new pastor mere months before our wedding, which had been scheduled for over a year. He required us to attend premarital counseling sessions with him before he performed our ceremony. We met with him over the course of a month, completing …
No More Wasted Time
When our kids aren’t sleeping or eating appropriately, we look at what’s going on in the moment to try and find a reason. The problem, however, most likely stems from something further back than we tend to look. Maybe they were exposed to a germ last week that has been working against their little systems. …
Same But Different
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 …
Practice What You Preach
“Shhhh!” scolded Amelia, her little finger up to her mouth. “I can talk,” answered Thomas. This exchange was happening across my lap during worship. The deacon voiced the closing prayer and service was nearly over. We would just barely make it through the final song. The snacks ran out before the sermon and the toddlers …
Unrealistic Expectations
“But I don’t want to tell myself no,” stated Thomas flatly. We’ve been memorizing the fruit of God’s Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 with a little song and he knows that self-control means sometimes telling yourself no, even if you really want to do something. Of course, it can also mean pushing yourself to do something …
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 …
Inseparable Word: Trust and Obey
In the weeks leading up to his baby brother’s arrival, Thomas was particularly attached to his mother, not wanting her out of his sight and often needing to hold her, as he so affectionately put it. She knew the separation would be difficult for him when the time came to go to the hospital, so …
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 …
Turn Around
I’m just “ta-prending,” Lolly. My two year old grandson, Thomas, has a vivid imagination. In preparation for the arrival of his baby brother in a few weeks, he is rehearsing all of his favorite things with the stuffed penguin chick that has a recording of Timothy’s heartbeat inside. Just this evening, he put Timothy in …
A Fitting Reply 