Our home was established thirty-four years ago when my husband and I married. We have inhabited many different dwellings but as the old saying goes, home is where the heart is and my heart is forever bound up in God-ordained oneness with Paul’s. In fact, these words were clearly communicated in our marriage vows. ““But …
Tales As Old As Time
“What are you doing?” It wasn’t a casual question expressing interest. The tone and timber of her voice let him know that he had crossed a line, though unseen. His actions and intentions had been called into question and he reacted badly. This scene plays out in a million storylines of television drama or film, …
Who? Me?
Ready or not, here I come. Our neighbors’ children walked over to play with Thomas. The older just completed kindergarten. Her sibling is three and Thomas is two. The oldest counted to ten. Her sister darted behind a porch column and hid her own eyes. Thomas followed her, giggling happily, then circled back to where …
Same Team
Thomas and Amelia are ten months and ten days apart in age. They’re often confused for siblings but they are cousins. Either set of parents could be theirs and one mom or the other is often asked when we’re together, “Are they both yours?” If either answered yes, no one would question it because they …
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 …
Gossiping the Gospel
Stories are easy to tell when you’re passionate about your subject. My grandchildren, for instance, bring me so much joy and laughter and they teach me much about myself and the world. I work harder at not telling just one more tale! I try to relate the highlights of our together days to Amelia’s mom …
Pockets Filled With Holes
If Jacob was gifted cash for his birthday, he knew what he wanted before he ever reached the store. If he received a gift card, he was usually bargaining with his dad before the party was over, ready to trade it for cash because he already had the money spent. As my dad said of …
Living Under A Shadow
Thomas is one and a fledgling walker. His mom insists that he hold her hand for safety in parking lots and on sidewalks, but he is free to roam inside his playroom or fenced yard. Sometimes he still chooses to hold her hand if the ground is particularly uneven or he’s in unfamiliar territory. I …
Eavesdropping
I thought I heard my granddaughter stirring in her crib as I brushed my teeth in the guest bath across from her room. I stood outside her door, holding my breath to listen, as I’ve done hundreds of times before with my own children. I waited for the sound of her rhythmic breathing before heading …
Delectable Faith
What makes a banana split or a buffet better than just plain ice cream or simple salad? The layers of goodness heaped on the already delicious base. Of course ice cream alone is a treat but add on your favorite toppings and a pile of fresh whipped cream and it only gets better. Faith is …
