Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37 Much has been written about the reality of …

Monday morning I retreated to my deck for some quiet time with Jesus. I have often closed my posts with the priestly blessing from Numbers 6. It goes like this: May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. …

Today our state begins the transition from COVID-19 isolation to “normal,” whatever that is. Your state may be different, but the gate is open. I admit, I approach the gate very cautiously, looking carefully in every direction. Is it safe to wander beyond the confines of my yard? I found a few verses that will …

As I worked outside in my landscaping, a song ran through my mind on repeat. A portion of the lyrics are this: “…Sing a little louder (in the presence of my enemies); sing a little louder (louder than my unbelief); sing a little louder (my weapon is a melody); sing a little louder (heaven comes …

Someday we will look back at the time spent in social distancing and isolation and it will be a distant memory. Perhaps we learned things about ourselves and others. We might have learned a new skill, took up a new hobby, read a new book, watched a great movie. Maybe we learned to spend time …

Romance. Chick flicks. Whatever you call them, they usually include a character who pursues someone in spite of great opposition. This person refuses to take no for an answer and is jealous for the affection of his/her true love. Jealousy has a bad rap. Mostly it motivates people to do stupid things that are harmful …

What distinguishes you from those around you? Is there anything at all that you won’t leave home without? Something that gives you confidence and courage? Moses was asked to perform an amazing feat: lead a nation out of slavery in Egypt to a land of their own. Considering the number of people and the magnitude …

A few days ago I wrote encouraging my dear readers to be okay with whatever emotion comes during these days of isolation. Some days are peaceful, joyfilled and quiet, some days are…not. Today was not…for me. The last few days have been very difficult. Dave encouraged me to remember this is short term, keep the …

I admire people who overcome great obstacles to become people of character and resilience. I marvel at the fortitude they show in pushing through even when there is opposition of some sort. Dave and I recently watched “Harriet,” a movie about Harriet Tubman. Her commitment to helping slaves find freedom despite peril to her own …

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 I don’t know about you, but my eyes are starting to wander. Wandering to the left and the right, …