The scene always began much the same way. My father would get out his Bible and read a few verses. He did not expound on them like he did when preaching a sermon. Dad just read and spoke simply so his three kids could understand. However, something about the formality …
The morning had been a whirlwind of activity after a long night of nothing. Last night, Peter and some of the other disciples of Jesus went fishing. It was Peter’s idea. He was still grappling with the rapid changes that had taken place in his life over the last weeks. …
The mail lies on the counter where someone placed it in his comings and goings. I pick up a pastel-colored envelope with a return address of only “Home”. I smile as I slit open the envelope and pull out a note from my mom. Though I haven’t lived there for …
Valentine’s Day. It’s only a week away. The feelings on this holiday are so very mixed. I’ve seen articles describing how it’s a pagan holiday and Christians shouldn’t celebrate it. I’ve heard people calling it a Hallmark holiday, commercializing romance. People choose to celebrate or ignore it for varied reasons. …
It was our last service at the church we had attended 22 years. The next morning I would be pulling out with a minivan full of the last of our belongings and moving a few hours away. I hugged friends and bid them goodbye one by one. When I looked …
Twelve years before, in this place, they had been the center of attention. They had carried their Baby into the Temple for the routine requirements of Jewish law after a birth. Simeon had greeted them and knew immediately Who they brought with them. He had been expecting Jesus. Anna had …
When I was in kindergarten, I thought everyone’s mom made them get baths, keep their hair clean and go to school looking presentable. Then, I met my best friend, Rachel, and realized she didn’t smell like the other kids. I thought everyone’s mom helped out at the school and played …
She walked the road alone. It is anyone’s guess why she trudged that forsaken stretch of road, leaving the city of worship for the city of the rich and powerful. Sometimes life has a way of beating you down even on the road to success, or perhaps, especially on the …
In a world of crafters and inventors of many beautiful and useful things, I sometimes wonder just how important writing is. God has affirmed it to me in many different ways and for many reasons. However, this thought He impressed on me some time ago spurs me on more than …
FAMILY We gather. The grandparents, the cousins, the aunts and uncles and perhaps a pet or two arrive. Some have walked over, and a few have driven a few miles. Others have driven hours with kids bursting at the seams to be free of their car seats or slowly emerge …
