My grandson, Thomas, is almost two and he still struggles with car rides. He lives almost two hours away so in order to visit extended family, his parents must drive. His mom has tried everything to ease the trip for him but getting out of the car is really the only thing that helps. He …
On The Surface
Twice this week, my husband’s late evening fishing has been interrupted and the grandchildren and I have needed to rush inside as thunder and lightning announced a rapidly approaching storm. The winds picked up and I felt the droplets tossed about in the air before I heard the rain advancing across the surface of the …
Like a Child
My daughter and my sister are kid magnets. Children single them out in public places as approachable. A little one may come right up and start a conversation or latch onto them unexpectedly, surprising them and the parents or caregivers. It’s definitely how God wired them as they both chose teaching as a vocation, but …
Foot In The Door
Nearly every Sunday for a decade, our younger son, the lone extrovert in a family of introverts, came into worship after Sunday school with one friend or another in tow, asking if he could come over after church. Has your friend asked his parents? No? Then we’ll make a plan for another time. End of …
Set An Example
My grandson is almost two and he finally has words, in fact he has new words every single day! He parrots two and three words at a time in conversation with the adults in the room precisely as if he understands every word and is participating in the dialog. He even uses the words in …
Refreshments
Summer has arrived with its ceaseless stream of day camps and vacation Bible schools. We participated as a family during all the years my children were at home. I volunteered in their groups or classes and when they were old enough, they became volunteers as well. All three were good with children. Two were excellent …
When a Miracle Isn’t What You Need
I’m home recovering from knee surgery. The wind is blowing and it’s chilly outside for the first of May. It’s quiet today, a perfect day for rest. Why is it that I can see half a dozen things I could be doing instead? I had plans to drive up to my daughter’s today to help …
Hard Headed
You need to call Dad now, she chided, unable to hide the uneasiness in her voice. I’ll be fine once you get me home, I replied, not entirely convinced myself but determined to tough it out. My right knee has given me problems most of my life, catching, for lack of a better word, usually …
He Causes Us To Remember
There’s nothing worse than a sick baby except a sick momma with a sick baby. The stomach bug caught up with us somewhere on Sunday and by Monday evening, we knew we were all in for a long night. Babies try so hard to be happy even when they’re feeling awful. They want to play. …
Are You My Brother?
While my daughter and I were downtown, we stopped off at the local book shop to peruse the childrens book section with my grandson, Thomas. I was pleasantly surprised to see many older titles I thought may have been out of print alongside newly published authors. We made our selection and headed to the cashier. …
A Fitting Reply 