Can You See the Golden Scepter?
Recently we saw the Sight & Sound production of Queen Esther. Having also recently studied the book of Esther, we were looking forward to seeing how they would bring this Bible account, filled with storylines that would make a good Lifetime movie, to their family-friendly stage. The production was fabulous–the sets are simply magnificent, and …
It’s just a matter of time
Somewhat apprehensively, I peered into the brown bag handed to me by the group’s leader. Seated beside Dad in his small group, I was surrounded by people I had grown up with. I was happy to have this chance to visit with these old friends, but still nerves flittered my stomach as I peeked at …
The Hidden Treasures of Weakness
Feeling resentful of your weaknesses? Try looking at them through the lens of this verse.
Look for your nearest exit
Last post was the first of a mini-series of verses that have had the greatest influence on my life as a follower of Jesus, beginning with James 1:5-8. Now I want to turn to First Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will …
Can You Reboot Your Mind?
Do you ever feel like you could use a jumpstart? Or a reboot? Sometimes I wish I could just “unplug and re-plug” my brain. Or maybe press the reset button. Unfortunately, that’s not an option, but I want to share with you one of my favorite Bible passages—one that suggests a way we can reboot. …
Spoiler Alert
I’ve never been a big sports fan… I do follow the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which I feel should count as a sport—it has aired on ESPN, after all—but other than that, I’ve always found it more appealing to play sports than to watch them. Being rather un-athletic, even playing sports has been on a …
Snow Globe Beauty
As I made my way to my comfiest chair with my mug of coffee this morning, I opened up the blinds to my backyard view and looked out on an ethereal, glitter-confetti kind of effect, as a thousand tiny flakes meandering down from the mostly blue sky caught rays of mid-morning sun. For an hour …
Any Ol’ Pot Will Do
Working in a craft store was fun—fun and a little dangerous! I enjoyed interacting with the customers, hearing about and sometimes helping with their ideas. Seeing the latest crafting tools and supplies; learning about new techniques—my creative side was like a kid in a candy store! That’s where it gets dangerous: those supplies, techniques, and …
I’ve Got a New Name
“I’ve got a new name, can you guess what it is?” I didn’t need to see my friend’s face; the phone line transmitted her delight. There was silence for a beat as I pieced together clues; “Granny?” I ventured hopefully. “Yes!—I’m going to be a Nana!” I felt such joy for my friend. We’d been …
My New and Improved Fantasy Self
Lately I’ve been watching a lot of videos on minimalism, decluttering, and organizing.* (I’m on a bit of a journey ! ) One of the tips that really clicked with me was to recognize the stuff I have kept for my “fantasy self”. Example: art supplies. I like to draw. I’m not very good at …
Holiday Traditions
At their very best, traditions provide a rhythm in the passing of time and connect us to something larger than ourselves: each of us being one small part of a family, a community, a faith more expansive than our self, our home, our limited sphere. The threads of tradition tie us to generations past and …
A Hiding Place
I am a bit of a word nerd. I like to keep my dictionary handy when I’m reading, and when I crack it open, I can get so absorbed—there are so many delicious words to discover! Inevitably my eyes land on words that I am curious to get a handle on. Words I use, but …
Valentine’s Haiku
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, here is a poem I wrote for my town library’s haiku contest. As with the plants decorating my living room, love–the care and affection I have for my husband, family, and friends–is very much subject to my diligence in caring for it. Have you noticed this in your relationships, too? …
The Day Is God’s
Lately I’ve been starting my days reading a Psalm or two. Sometimes I peek out the window and catch a beautiful sunrise in the making. Today I was so blessed by God’s good timing…. I started in Psalm chapter one about a month and a half ago. Today I came to Psalm 74. “Yours is …
2020 Ornament
Masks and social distancing have become such a part of our lives this year, it seemed appropriate to commemorate them with these ornaments. I know, you’re probably tired of the whole thing—the discomfort, the nuisance, etc., etc….. None of us really likes these precautions, important though they may be. Yet out of concern for the …
2019 Ornament
The Best Offense Have you been offended recently? If not, maybe you have caused offense? Seems almost a daily occurrence in today’s world, right? Someone says or does something, even a seemingly harmless comment can get misinterpreted, and before you know it, someone’s been offended. It may even happen while reading this letter—that’s the risk …
2018 Ornament
I love snow—sorry, not sorry! Tiny, sparkly flurries that meander, slowly descending. Big, fat clumps that plash on windows, blanket our lawns, and flock tree branches. Fresh and pure and white; the landscape seems brighter and cleaner—even the air seems purer. And we’ve probably all heard that no two snowflakes are alike. It’s a reminder …
2017 Ornament
When Life Gives You Scraps… My Mom enjoyed a variety of crafts, but the piece-work of quilting was one of her favorites. She had a quaint applique piece in the cozy “back room” with one of her favorite sayings, “When life gives you scraps, make quilts.” This homey statement captures some of the qualities I …
2016 Ornament
It’s been quite a turbulent year, hasn’t it? Many have said this has been an election like no other that we’ve seen. I’ve been comparing the recent turmoil with the social climate at the time Jesus Christ’s earthly life: emotions running high, polarized perspectives, hoping against hope, fears for the future…our recent times are reminiscent …
2015 Ornament
Butterflies were one of Mom’s favorite things. Symbolic of change, they reflect her favorite verse: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) This verse is about change, an essential of the Christian life. Essential because God is all …
2014 Ornament
Twine and glitter; kind of an unusual combination, right? This is my second year carrying on my Mom’s tradition of making Christmas ornaments to share with friends. Along with a love of crafting, a taste for rustic, country décor is another thing Mom and I had in common. I think she would’ve liked this ornament, …
2013 Ornament
‘Oh, no! I didn’t get you anything!’ That’s often our reaction when someone hands us a package, isn’t it? Especially at this time of year. Rest assured, this is not a Christmas present—please don’t worry that you didn’t get me something or scramble to do something in return. This is instead a means for me …