The call had come while we were at a memorial service on Saturday for an elderly relative by marriage. We celebrated the fact that she is now with her husband of 67 years who passed just 7 months before her. As soon as we were in our car, we listened to the voicemail. It was…
Knock, Knock
I woke up in the night with a dull uneasiness. As I came awake, my thoughts centered on my soul care or lack thereof lately. Guilt swept over me. I hadn’t been reading and meditating on Scripture throughout the day. Just one chapter in the morning, a one and done thing. Why hadn’t I been…
Hari Paskah
It was Passover/Easter in the Spring of 1982 in Bandung, Java, Indonesia. We had been living in this bustling Asian city of 6 million since the first of the year in order to attend language and culture training. Now it was a holiday and we decided to celebrate with some of our new friends. We…
Painful News
I had barely read the text from a family member when the wave of pain hit me. I couldn’t sit still. I had to get up and walk. As I paced the hall trying to breathe, I was appalled at the speed and ferociousness of the physical pain that was obviously mirroring my inner pain. …
Made for Beauty
Connecting with beauty- what kind of beauty resonates with you? How can you make time to appreciate that beauty? How can you grow in that beauty? Each of us is uniquely created. Part of that is how you are equipped to respond to different beauties. We hear beautiful music and it moves us; that is…
Annoyed
Ever been annoyed by a friend or family member who you like, but some parts of their personality just rub you the wrong way? You recognize their positive character traits and you appreciate the things they do for others, but one of their quirks turns you off. We have a choice when someone’s fault bothers…