The First Time I Heard the Story
I would especially like to remember the first time I heard the story of the crucifixion and resurrection. Or more precisely, remember the first time I understood what those words meant.
Spring is Coming
This winter has been a long one, a bitterly cold one – colder than I remember us having in quite some time. And the past twelve months have been long and bitter months. Colder and more bitter than many of us have ever known. Full of confusion. Full of fear. Full of sadness. It’s been… Continue reading Spring is Coming
The Coach
My parenting job changed again without me realizing it. And there I was, feeling like I was finally starting to get pretty good at the current job, never noticing that I wasn’t needed anymore in that position. It always seems to change just when I feel like I might be getting the hang of it.… Continue reading The Coach
Remembering the Things I Know
Every day I forget who I belong to. Every day I forget whose image I am made in. Every day I forget that this world is not my home. I get overanxious and overwhelmed and begin to believe that the things of this world are real and important and true. Appearances and accomplishment. Status and… Continue reading Remembering the Things I Know
January Again
I know this may be difficult to accept, but I have done extensive research into the matter. I have, in fact, personally participated in over 50 case studies. So, in spite of the potential controversy, I feel qualified to make this statement. January can be hard. There. I said it. January, as a month, as… Continue reading January Again
Reluctant Guinea Pig
Have you ever tried to pick up a guinea pig that did not want to be picked up? If not, let me just tell you – it is not an easy thing to do. A reluctant guinea pig will scamper and squirm and hop and twist and buck like a miniature, fluffy bronco. Also, guinea… Continue reading Reluctant Guinea Pig
Smoky Mountain Christmas
To my kids, Christmas smells like cinnamon bread, warm spiced almonds and cashews, and kettle corn. Also, sausages with peppers and onions cooking on giant flat top grills. That’s because we used to go to Dollywood every year at Christmas time. If you’ve never been – either to Dollywood, or specifically to Dollywood’s Christmas –… Continue reading Smoky Mountain Christmas
Lesson Learned
Pain is a powerful teacher. But what it most easily teaches is fear. Fear is the voice that says to your spouse, “Yeah, things have gotten better. But we still have so far to go…” Fear doesn’t celebrate small victories or see the possibility of brighter days. Fear is the voice that says to your… Continue reading Lesson Learned
Be Still
Be still… Not a problem. I don’t mean to brag, but I’m really good at being still. It’s practically a superpower for me. I can spend hours being still. I only move to turn pages in my book or maybe reach the remote control. My hands might move just enough to knit a little, but… Continue reading Be Still
Little Lamb
The very first Halloween costume my daughter had, when she was just five months-old, was a lamb costume. It was full body, made of faux wool with little patches of tan on the feet to indicate hooves. The headpiece was separate and velcroed under the chin, and it was topped with sweet little lamb’s ears… Continue reading Little Lamb