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 …
Jesus In Me
How long have you known me? All your life? All my life? A few days, weeks, months, years, or only for a season? Much of your knowledge of me depends on our relationship to one another, but even more on your relationship to Christ. In families and within communities, there are degrees of relationship. I …
Numbered
Meeting GrannyBob 💕 Last week, I attempted a family tree for Thomas, tracing back through the generations still living on both sides of his family. He wasn’t necessarily following, but it was fun to write out all the names he knows and have him recognize them by their first letters. He has a great great …
Focusing On Fear
My grandson woke suddenly after midnight screaming, “I need you, Mommy, I need you!” I keep the monitor for her to get a good night’s sleep when I can, and sometimes I can console him. Sometimes he just needs his mommy to calm down. I’ve wakened from dreams with my heart literally racing. I’ve wakened …
Wait For It
Contemplative. If one word could define a person, this is me. My mom recalls my first grade teacher (also her first grade teacher) informing her that I routinely stared out the window of her classroom. She thought I was daydreaming, but when she asked a direct question of me, I promptly gave the correct response. …
Pray For Me
We got the creeping crud for Christmas. Three working in the medical field combined with coming together after various family gatherings means germs are rampant, and general lack of sleep during the holidays adds insult to injury. By the time our grandson woke up on the morning after Christmas with a high fever, he knew …
A Fitting Reply 