He creeps in and tries to tell me lies. Lies that I am sad. That I will always be sad. Lies that bring me down. That enemy that would love to see us in despair. My heart sinks deeper and deeper. My energy sapped. It is in the middle of shredding carrots into the salad that I am struck. Struck by the awareness of the heaviness of grief. Another that I love dearly, is finishing her race here on this earth. The one that shares a birthday with my mom. A middle name spelled the same. A love of music and books. And ... View Post
His Stocking is Empty; But The Manger Isn’t (a repost from 12-25-13)
His stocking is empty. The stocking I made to match with Cedric's. A stocking I have filled for 17 precious years. Stockings that were 4 and then became 8 and this year would have been 9. But after 17 years. It is empty. It hangs limp, while all the others burst from the seams; awaiting their precious owners. But it's not about the stockings, or the tree. It's not about the presents; but His presence. And as I stepped outside this morning, the heavens declared their Majesty. The moon and the stars in all their bright, ... View Post
When You Need To Refocus
A new beginning. Another Bridal Shower. Such hope and sweetness on the horizon. The planning and fun of a party. Fellowship and food. Women gathering to bless each other. A warm, sunny afternoon. Leisurely strolls through the meadow. Deep breathes of fresh air and peace. But it's raining. I want it to be sunny. But it's not. I think we might have to be inside. But that's ok. We'll go with the flow. It's so much easier to yield to the circumstances. When we resist, there's strife. Isaiah 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the ... View Post
Laughing In The Graveyard
The boy leaves me undone. Most days are difficult. Each word is poison and I can't begin to help him. He's lost a brother. Dealt with his beloved father being so sick and he's 14. I would come unglued. He's still fragile in the faith. And he's lashing out. But sometimes there are glimpses of what is to come. The veil pulled back and the blue eyes shine. There is humor and there is a sensitivity, so like his fathers. But this growing and stretching is hard on me. So when there is a calm. I embrace it. When ... View Post
His Stocking is Empty, But the Manger Isn’t; Finding Christmas Joy
His stocking is empty. The stocking I made to match with our farm boy. A stocking I have filled for 17 precious years. Stockings that were 4 and then became 8 and this year would have been 9. But after 17 years. It is empty. It hangs limp, while all the others burst from the seams; awaiting their precious owners. But it's not about the stockings, or the tree. It's not about the presents; but His presence. And as I stepped outside this morning, the heavens declared their Majesty. The moon and the stars in all their bright, glory rang out the song that, Jesus is ... View Post
A Pause In The Rush May Change Your Whole Tune
We have friends. Really. We do. They have retired well. Donna and Harold have been faithful friends through the years. First Gary, and then they inherited me. Harold and Gary played music together, while Donna and I forged a friendship. It was Donna and Harold that we asked to be Elijah's God parents. Donna felt uncomfortable and not spiritual enough. I told her she would get that way. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests ... View Post