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…
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…
Engage People with the Good News: They – and You – Will Be Glad You Did
We followers of Jesus want everyone to know our Savior! Though I’m always a little afraid of people’s reactions, I’ve learned to open my mouth to witness. I’m encouraged by this saying: “Success in witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to…
“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…
There’s a Better Journey Ahead When We Listen to the Right Voice
“Why did we come here?" I thought. Of all the places our study tour group had visited in Israel, none had affected me like this archeological tell at Dan, the site of an ancient altar. The atmosphere seemed oppressive. I did not want to be there. Site of the ancient altar at Dan What made…
Can You Make a Choice to Stay in the Joy?
Phrases etched in my memory nearly 40 years ago came back to me again recently: “…como propuso en su corazón…porque Dios ama al dador alegre.” In the small church I attended in Cuernavaca, Mexico, we quoted the verse these phrases come from every Sunday before the offering was taken. With my dear church friend Amparo…
Healthy Ingredients for a Marriage: Are We Stirring up a Feast?
“It would be worth a thousand dollars,” my friend and mentor said when I told her what I wanted. That sounded like way more than I was used to spending for anything. I had told her I had long-standing questions about my marriage, but didn’t know if I could afford counseling. Ed and I loved…
Should I Settle for Cheap Happiness, or Is There Something Better?
Have you taken these easy routes to cheap happiness, as I have? The one-more-cookie comfort for sadness or loneliness? The momentary satisfaction of venting your feelings before praying them through? The brief "fun" of getting away with procrastination or toying with unhealthy thoughts? The mindless enjoyment of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling? Our struggles against ungodly choices…
I Grieved the Missed Opportunity When the Store Burned
What? Our grocery store had burned down the night before? I was shocked, and not just by the news. The worst part for me was that I had been there the previous day. I had felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit to talk with the cashier about knowing Jesus. For some reason I avoided…
The Nearness of God 