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 …
Proving Ground
Timothy is adapting to life outside the womb. He still bundles himself into a tight ball and even swaddled, he scrunches and squirms. He’s experiencing gravity in a new way now that he’s not suspended securely in amniotic fluid. He has to work at eating, the air he breathes is still new to his lungs, …
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 …
Forward Thinking
Before my third grandchild was born, my daughter began planning for life with two boys. She made appointments and reservations based on her new reality and no one really questioned her reasoning. Planning ahead is a good thing, but how far is too far, and is there such a thing as not far enough? You’ve …
How Much Does God Trust You?
Today was a long overdue cleaning day. While vacuuming the baseboards with a vengeance, I ran full tilt into the corner of the window trim, creating a small gash in my scalp. Thankfully my daughter was here to lend a hand and the damage was minimal, but I needed to sit for a bit to …
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 …
Separation Anxiety
Though she’s not two until summer, my granddaughter, Amelia, already knows how to tug on my heartstrings. When we meet up for a meal or family gathering and it’s nearing time to go, she reaches for me or climbs up in my lap, saying, “Ride in Lolly’s car,” or “Go to Lolly’s house.” Before the …
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 Clear Witness For Jesus
Why do we insist on making everything about us? We live in a very self centered culture. Each of our lives becomes a center like the sun with the lives and spheres of others gravitating in and out of our miniature systems. No wonder we are so prone to colliding and reacting, like an old …
Conspicuously Absent
My mother had a beautiful young friend who babysat for us when I was a girl. She was one of those rare souls who loved purely and simply, who readily shared a smile and laughter even while she was hiding her own pain. Her life was cut short by cancer, but she blessed all who …
A Fitting Reply 