On the anniversary of her death recently, I realized it had been fifty years since my mother went home to be with Jesus. That’s a long time ago! Even at the time, although I had a very close relationship with her, I didn’t begrudge her the release from the illness that had drained the life…
When We’re Criticized
Ever been accused of something and you just wanted to defend yourself? Convince the other party that you’re right? That their accusation is wrong? Fight for yourself? Yep, me too. That’s called Ego. Our pride bristles at criticism. So we can cross swords and fight back or we can refuse to engage and find…
When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
His scream tore the early morning air as his body hurtled toward the rocks below. Just one misstep and his young life was snuffed out. One minute he was preparing his ropes for rock climbing, the next he was dead. Today one of our adult daughters called and recounted this unexpected loss of her 19-year-old…
He Refreshes My Soul
Ever have a day when you just didn’t want to think too deeply? No wrestling with heart issues. No soul searching. No dealing with heavy responsibilities. Just do the easy stuff. Coast along just this one day without concerning yourself with the battle. Do the mundane or the urgent, but don’t attempt the spiritual heavy lifting. …
Happy
I remember a day many years ago when our not-easily-moved-to tears teenage daughter was crying. We hated to see her in emotional pain after breaking up with her boyfriend. We were sad that she was sad, but we also were experiencing other emotions simultaneously – relief and hope. We sympathized, but we felt…
Help Along the Way
Husband was a college student. I had graduated and was supposed to be working to help get us by while he studied. But I was in the middle of a difficult first pregnancy that had forced me to leave the job I enjoyed. He had had to pick up the slack and work long hours…