“[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a Over the weekend, the Holy Spirit nudged me. Three times. About love. My husband and I attended an outdoor funeral—an unexpected, tragic death of a young woman. The pastor spoke of how her life was marked by genuine... Continue Reading →
“The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8 As I write this, the late-summer sun drizzles its last rays down a glassy goblet of sky behind darkened trees. Up swells the concerto of nocturnal creatures beyond my screen door—birdsong, froggy ribbits, and canine... Continue Reading →
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” John 4:23 Among the casualties of the coronavirus pandemic is the shuttering of churches. The decision to close has good cause. The gathering of people in close proximity from all parts of... Continue Reading →
“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:4 I’ve been a writer and teacher for decades, so you’d imagine it would be easy for me to author a book. Ha! Not so. For years, God kept after me to write A Crocus in the Desert: an instructional, encouraging prayer... Continue Reading →
“And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:12 Magnolia. The very word drips off the tongue like sorghum molasses on hot cornbread. It reeks of characters in Tennessee Williams plays, and it dredges... Continue Reading →
"...walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:12 Want to go on a “day hike”? Look around your area for a new park or forest to explore. You shouldn’t have to go too far to find some whisper-quiet woods, a grassy plain, or a riverside walkway. With the... Continue Reading →
“…because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Romans 8:21 My grandfather was a bondservant. At the turn of the 20th century, my great-grandparents and their children were bound by indentured servitude…pretty much the last form of legalized slavery in the United States. In... Continue Reading →
“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” Psalm 65:11 Our 31st wedding anniversary was last week…another milestone that, during COVID times, called for a creative celebration. We decided our “anniversary date” would be a Sunday afternoon hike along the Appalachian Trail to a scenic overlook called High Rocks. We have been extraordinarily... Continue Reading →
A Guest Blog with Rebecca Henderson The coronavirus pandemic has put incredible stress on our health, our healthcare system, education, small businesses, families, our economy, and politics. But there’s another entity somewhat neglected in the current crisis—nonprofits. These include charities, professional associations, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), clubs, environmental groups, political action committees, and other community benefit... Continue Reading →
“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the... Continue Reading →
