This morning I’m remembering my grandmother. When the topic of love of family crops up, Grandmartie is always at the top of my list. My fondest and earliest memory is hearing her sweet voice singing a lullaby to me. Her arms enfolded me as she slowly tipped us back...
Joy
How Many Kings
Faith, Hope, Joy, Life, Uncategorized
My clock radio awakened me with a song I’d never heard before: “How Many Kings.” I laid still, mesmerized by the words. Once I began working on my computer that morning, I found the link to the original video performed by Downhere. As I watched the lead singer pour...
A Christmas Letter to Jesus
Connections, Faith, Joy, Life
Jesus, when You were born, You weren’t just baby Jesus. You were so much more. The prophet Isaiah announced: A Child will be born to us. A Son will be given to us. And His Name—Your name—will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Who You...
New Life out of Tragedy
For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong in my family. This unexpected thought came to my mind because of a tragedy in our family: the loss of my young cousin, Ashley, in Oregon. That day the temperature was 116 degrees, and it appears she...
A Matter of Time
Connections, Faith, Hope, Joy, Life
“God isn’t bound by time.” Ron’s reminder cleared the confusion our group encountered during a recent Bible study. He added, “God knows and understands everything that has happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen. He is in control across all time and all space.” God is...
The Empty Tomb
The three women went quickly to the tomb with cloth-wrapped spices in their arms to anoint the body of their friend and Master, Jesus (Mark 15). Wondering how they would remove the stone themselves, they were shocked to see it already rolled away. Uncertain what they’d find, they entered...
Mary’s Heart
Hearing the song Mary Did You Know? always moves me to tears. Each time I try to imagine the emotions that swirled in Mary’s heart when the angel Gabriel presented the life-altering news that she would give life to the Son of God. Have you ever wondered how Mary...
Appreciate What You Have
What a great perspective for us to embrace this year, especially during this week of Thanksgiving. I sometimes take things for granted, do you? Acknowledging what I have, however, helps me look above difficult circumstances, disappointments, and fears, and focus on God rather than myself. Being thankful, restores my hope...
Memory of Love
You’re my favorite granddaughter! My grandmother—affectionately called Grandmartie—showered me with love and filled empty spaces in my young life and into adulthood. She had that way about her. My mother and father worked full time, which gobbled up much of their time. Fortunately, Grandmartie lived close by. I loved...
Learn, Live, Hope
What has happened in your life so far this year? Have you started pursuing one of your resolutions? Maybe you’ve taken a risk and tried something new. Perhaps you’re at a standstill, overwhelmed by your long list. Or you’ve check off one major thing and you’re smiling right now....