The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NIV, emphasis mine) Grace. It’s a word that humbles. Defined as “unmerited favor.” In my mind, I picture the prodigal son finally stumbling home, and his Father running toward him. Did a guy who had grabbed his inheritance prematurely and squandered it in spurious behaviors deserve this? A father who hiked up his robe and ran to greet him? No word of condemnation on that dad’s lips? No lecture. No reminders of how deeply the son had hurt him. Nope. Just arms clasped tightly, embracing, weeping, perhaps at the joy […] Read more »

How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all. Psalm 104:24a (NIV) I checked the time on my watch. Dad had been out on our deck for two hours. I’d been in and out several times, making sure he had coffee and was still comfortable. Again, I stepped out to the deck. “Hey, Dad, want to come back in now?” “Look at the trees, honey. They are so tall,” he said with wonder in his voice. Then he seemed to hear my question and answered, “I’m fine right here, thank you.” And he was. He sat out on our deck hour after hour, coffee cup beside him, looking. Admiring. Marveling. You see, for years the poor circulation in his legs had […] Read more »

It’s hard to believe another decade has flown by. What? Wasn’t I a tiny girl, a teenager, a young mama just a few short years ago? Yet, here I am. A grandmother of five and about to be an age I always thought was “old.” Now I realize it’s still quite young. 😊 I’ve learned a thing or two along the way, and today I’d like to share random pieces of hopefully helpful advice. Pull up a chair and let’s talk about life. More is Not Always Better Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15 (NIV) I’ve lived long enough to notice that people with tons of […] Read more »

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NIV, 1984) Dear Anxious One, Do you beat yourself up—and even get anxious about your anxiety? Do you read verses like Philippians 4:6 (do not be anxious about anything) and feel like a total failure? Do you find it hard to explain to people that you don’t look for anxiety … it looks for you and grips you and shakes you like a pit bull, not letting go? Just let your eyes read Psalm 94:19 slowly … with wonder. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. This, dear friend, does not sound like a God who is angry with the anxious guy who wrote Psalm 94. […] Read more »