March: From Riddles to Growth
In grade school, my friends and I often read riddles. Clever or silly, we heard the answer, laughed, and groaned, “Of course”. One riddle I remember is, “What is the only date of the year that gives a command?” I don’t recall my friends’ reaction, but I recall the sensible answer: “March 4th.” March is the only month associated with movement....
Hopeful Living: Moving Forward While Remaining
Reflecting on changes 2020 brought in daily living, relationships, and celebrations, each one of us can look back on disappointments—the trip that didn’t happen; or the opposite-sweet moments where we had smiles --finally hugging grandchildren. Perhaps we felt a sense of accomplishment-- reading books, organizing and cleaning closets, or...
Will You Carry Me? Leaning on God’s Promises
After walking around a theme part for six hours, my five-year old grandson, despite loving every ride he went on, was tired. His legs just couldn’t take one more step. He didn’t whine or cry, but his slow walking led his uncle to see his need and pick him up and carry him. As they approached me, I saw a smile on his little face, . Do we ever...
January is Hot Tea Month: Steeping in Life Lessons
In celebration of National Hot Tea Month, brew a cup of tea, and let’s look together at lessons tea offers for hopeful living. According to legend, in 2737 BC, as Chinese emperor Shen-Nung waited for water to boil, tea leaves from a nearby bush inadvertently fell into the pot. Whether he was curious, thirsty, or a risk-taker, the emperor drank...
2021: Rewind and Re-set to Hope
What were your thoughts when the clock struck midnight and 2021 appeared? “Will 2021 be a repeat of 2020?” “Should I even buy a calendar or planner? How can I plan?” “What’s ahead in 2021?” One of the ways we look to a new year is to rewind and review the previous one. Perhaps it held experiences you want to hang onto or learn from, or...
Christmas: A Personal Highlights Reel from a Familiar Story
Most of us can tell the story from memory. As we watch a children’s Christmas program, we can anticipate the next scene, and if a child mixes up words and sequence, or fails to come in on cue, we chuckle. When a choir and congregation sing carols, we are swept away by their beauty. Familiarity, tradition, and joy create the music and images of...
Christmas Gift-Giving: A Baby for Christmas
A book give away from guest writer Martin Wiles! I’m sure many of you have begun your Christmas gift list. Perhaps online shopping has become the best option to compare selections and avoid crowds. Whatever item you choose, and whoever is on your list, gift giving is one of many loved Christmas traditions. Today I welcome Martin Wiles as my...
What if There’s No Pumpkin Pie? Ending the Year with Hope
Spectacular fall colors, warm apple desserts, and spiced-aroma candles. What’s not to love? Whether my grandsons and I drink hot cider and eat donuts on my screened porch, or I enjoy my personal time under a warm blanket reading a good book, surrounded by the sights and smells of fall, I’m in a happy place. As the leaves...
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“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)