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…
What Name Do You Want to Be Known By? A (No) Rags to Riches Story
I would never want to be called any kind of harlot, especially one like this one — a wife who loathed her husband and left his embrace for many lovers. A wife who paid her lovers to help themselves. A mother who hated her children and put them to death for foreign gods. With this…
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…
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…
Is Your Heart Tender as You Enter the New Year?
The new year has dawned. How’s your heart toward God? How's mine? Pressing close, softening? Or withdrawing, hardening? No matter how difficult our challenges, will we lean in to Jesus with hope and faith, resting in His love, keeping our hearts tender with obedience? Or will we turn away in cynicism or fear, doubting His…
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.…
The Nearness of God 