Jesus instructs, He informs, He implores: “You are not of this world” and although my heart attunes itself away from this world and upward to heaven, my soul still strives to fit in, strains to find its niche and struggles to flourish upon this earth. One might describe this life - my travels, my journey, my pilgrimage – as one of fits and starts, missed turns and dead-ends, roundabouts … [Read more...]
Dedicated to Dima
It began as an inkling, an interest, a possibility, but developed and grew until their hearts beat boldly with conviction; their souls brimmed with love. He was their son and yet he lived not in their home. While he played unknowingly in Kremenchuk, Ukraine, they prayed intentionally in Ocala, Florida. Jenny and Eric enjoyed, even embraced, what they considered a complete happy existence … [Read more...]
Stolen bikes
Ah, the lazy days of summer seem to finally have arrived! Backyard BBQs, baseball games and bike rides with the family. I myself have great memories of my little sister Kathy and I riding bikes to the local Giant-T store in Moscow for 10-cent ice cream cones. Maybe you also have similar memories. Perhaps too you can imagine the dismay of our kids discovering two bikes missing from our … [Read more...]
T-ball mishaps
I'm a big-picture gal. If necessary, I can focus on nitty gritty details, but generally speaking I don't operate that way. Take today for example. We have seven kids playing softball or t-ball this summer on three different teams. On a game night I generally aim at getting everyone to the fields on time, in (correct) uniforms with their gloves, having eaten dinner. Tonight was no … [Read more...]
Experiencing a Mother’s Love
Most of us are familiar with the images and metaphors of God as Father, King and Prince. We even know Him as the Bread of Life, Living Water and Good Shepherd. But what about God as....Mother?!? This past Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day. Depending on your background and situation, this day may have been a joyous occasion with many happy memories, or one filled with dread and … [Read more...]