A mist that appears for a brief while and then vanishes
Last week’s rain seemed to last only a brief time but actually continued over a couple of days. Two days of mist, appearing for a brief while then vanishing. And now, it’s autumn. As a child, I thought summer lasted forever, but now seasons seem to fly...
Actively responsible for our choices, family, and others
When we say someone is a responsible person, we’re often referring to work. Showing up on time, completing tasks, being honest, owning up to mistakes. These values hold regardless of faith or lack thereof. Biblically speaking, being responsible means knowing what...
If I want people to approve of me, I put myself before God
Sometimes I want people to approve of me so much that I’m willing to put people pleasing before God pleasing. Putting what I want for myself and from others before God is selfishness. Of course, my greatest fear is disapproval or abandonment, the root of all...
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places
For many in the United States, Labor Day is a boundary line. A boundary between summer and fall—though officially the autumn equinox happens in two weeks. A boundary with the beginning of a new school year and new relationships. And weather boundaries,...
How many times did I hear, “Here I am, Lord,” before answering?
“Here, Mac, here, Lark. Come!” Our dogs love running the mountain and coming home, especially for food. Keith and I regularly practice “here, come” with Mac and Lark. “Here you are,” we say when they return home panting and grinning with pleasure. “Good boys!” In a...
Valuing the Second Half of Life’s Same-But-Different
Five people, four generations, two in the first half of life, three in the second half. The last picture I have of my mother, with me, my daughter, granddaughter, and elder sister. Christmas 2019. Six weeks later, Mother passed away at the age of 96. …for...