Sticky desserts consumed, my extended family and I cram amiably onto the couch and dining room chairs around my narrow condo living room. It's Christmas night; 19 of us are gathered — my sister and brother-in-law, their children and their spouses and children, my husband, our three grown children and I. Gifts find their recipients…
A 20th Century Gentlewoman
In our small, bright yellow kitchen, you stirred your signature onion, chili powder, ground beef, tomato, kidney bean and macaroni dish on the stove. The delicious aroma wafted my way as I perched on the washing machine a few feet away, dangling my teenaged legs and talking with you. Every day, you and I were…
In This New Day: A Prayer
In this new day, may the words I say and what I pursue not rush ahead of You May I keep in step not behind or nearby I want to be with You listening hearing heeding satisfied savoring usable strengthened with all power according to the might of Your glory. If you haven’t discovered life…
50 Years of Following the King: By His grace, I am what I am!
From a brown-haired teen to a graying older lady, I have seen the King in His beauty. The eyes of my heart have been enlightened. "Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth." His people are the majestic ones, in whom is all my delight. Today I celebrate…
8 New Ways to Think…and Find Peace
It was April 1, 1975, in a small college chapel in Bronxville, New York, when I turned my life over to Christ. Within a couple of weeks, I knew I had received more than the gift of eternal salvation. Among my new gifts was a wonderful peace in my heart. And I found I had…
“Funiculi, Funicula” for people who have found eternal love and those who will want it someday
"This song is too much fun not to be able to sing it!" I thought one day, warbling a little of the beloved Italian ballad, "Funiculi, Funicula." The few English lyrics I came up with that day grew into a song telling the story of Jesus and His love for each one of us. I'm…
The Marvelous Life of a Queen and the Children of the King
Unexpectedly, I’ve teared up several times in the last eight days over the death of Queen Elizabeth II. This brave and honorable lady touched lives here “across the pond” in America and around the world. Of course, she was imperfect, but known to set anyone at ease; fun-loving, yet serious about the things that mattered.…
Could I Be More Grateful ? — My Reflection in the Garden of Gethsemane
Like the olive treeAncient branches knotted, fused —Your will one with that of the Father.Branches twisted, pierced through.Soon Your sinews, muscles would strain, contorted,Flesh torn.Yet You chose to meet Your betrayerWent willingly, boundYou who spread out a universeTo declare Your glory.Now Your glory shoneFrom obedience to deathOn a cross of wood.Fulfilling all things,Righteous Branch,You burst…
When You’re Crippled by Shame and Meet a King Compelled by Kindness
I had read this surprising story before. But for the first time I realized there was more meaning in it for me — for us — than I could have imagined. It's a true story, of a king compelled by kindness and a pauper crippled by shame. Years before he came into power, the king…
Once an Alien, One May Wonder —Always an Alien?
Have you ever seen an alien? If you saw me a few years ago, you have; I was a registered, certified alien. There may be reason to doubt, but, no, not the extra-terrestrial kind. As a single American for four years in Mexico, and as a wife, then mother, for 28 years in the Philippines,…
The Nearness of God 