I recently traveled to my home state for a visit with some friends. What joy to stay with them, talking late and waking early to share morning coffee. As I would go to another person’s house, the questions were almost consistently the same. “How is Dave? How are you doing? Have you found a church? What have you gotten involved …
Mary’s song of praise continues to bring to mind the many ways God has shown Himself faithful to His people. In her song, she praises the Lord for His mercy from generation to generation. Then she extols Him for performing mighty deeds with His arm…but He has lifted up the humble. That’s what she was. A humble young teenage girl. …
We enter the time of Advent. The time of the arrival has come. Have you ever been in a place of great expectation? Anticipating the arrival of someone or something? Last week, I was fluctuating between anticipation and excitement as I waited for my daughters and sons-in-law to arrive for a long Thanksgiving weekend. Because of our crazy schedules, we …
“The sun comes up. It’s a new day dawning…10,000 reasons for my heart to find” It’s the beginning of sunrise in my part of the world. It’s that moment when light begins to emerge from the darkness of night. Contemplating how Jesus was sent into a world full of darkness to be the light, my heart suddenly felt overwhelmed with …
The sunsets here in SE Arizona have become spectacular since we entered the autumn season. Although, by the temperatures which still are at about 100°, you wouldn’t know it. Sometimes, seasons are like that. Summer blends into autumn, and winter blends into spring. Happiness blends into grief, and frustration blends into joy. Emotions get muddy, and life is confusing. Things …
“I’m proud of you.” “You happen to be one of the strongest women I know.” “I want you to know that I miss you!” “I learn so much when you teach me!” “Thank you for being my piano teacher. I love you!” These are some texts I have bookmarked on my phone to remind me when I need encouragement. Some …
BIRTHDAY MUSINGS It’s my birthday today. I share that information because it puts into context my writing. When I woke up, the cat jumped on my head, walked across my pillow, and began knocking things off my dresser; I had some profound thoughts. Rolling over and coming to a standing position, my mind began to process the following postulations. “I’m …
I was a bit of a troublemaker in middle school. I struggled with learning, so I took on the role of the class clown. I used to really act up in my science class. Mr. Cline was often the recipient of my shenanigans, outbursts, and disrespect in some cases. I hadn’t seen him in 25 years, but when I walked …
