In Marriage—Are You Alone or Together?
When our granddaughter was one-year-old, we piled into the van and headed to Airlie Gardens, a local favorite, to take in Christmas lights and festivities. I felt impatient and anxious as we squished into a noisy line of parents and toddlers, that encircled the building, ...
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Helping Friends in Grief
My husband Tom and I lost three of our parents in three years. While we grieved our losses, our friends showed kindness and support in various ways. I'll always remember their encouragement while our grief was fresh. I was surprised how much little gestures touched ...
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The School Without Graduates
When I was seventeen, I entered the God School. The Administrator Himself issued a personal invitation. I’ve been enrolled for fifty years, so you might say I’m a seasoned student. What’s unique about the school is that I’m not bored, even after attending many thousands ...
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One Word Could Improve Your Marriage
What if a two-letter word could make your marriage better? The idea came to mind several years ago when I listened to my girlfriend. “The kids were away visiting family, so we served ourselves huge portions of ice cream and put the bowls right on ...
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What are You Magnifying?
Last summer, I arrived at my annual dermatology check-up armed with important information. I’d been enjoying a Wrightsville Beach family staycation at my in-law’s home. On the bathroom counter was a super-duper magnifying mirror. I'd never seen such magnifying power. First I was fascinated, then ...
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New Thoughts on New Year’s Resolutions
The new year has come; what are your resolutions? In my early twenties I stepped on my bathroom scale and was shocked to see 127 appear in black and white. Right then, I made a resolution to lose twenty pounds. I felt exhilarated —a sense ...
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2021— Trusting God in Perpetual Wonder
On the first day of 2021, I stood beside our fake Lowe’s tree and removed one ornament at a time. Each one sparked emotion. A mixture of sadness and thankfulness as I thought of our parents who’ve passed. A big smile with gratitude, when I ...
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What To Do While You’re Waiting
I set the timer for the the dough to rise, and thought, we spend so much time waiting. I could’ve picked up a loaf from the store, but homemade bread is better; the smell overwhelms you when the crusty loaf comes from the oven; it’s ...
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The Gift of Gathering Friends
I'm convinced God designed me to gather people. To serve them, encourage them and watch magic happen when strangers become friends. I love to prep my home for guests who will share an evening meal or for friends who'll stay overnight. Like a little girl ...
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God’s Love in View of Suffering
My daughter’s former student was shot and killed this Thanksgiving—a random act of violence. A volunteer basketball coach who was loved by his community. He was only twenty. The younger kids looked up to him. My close friend hasn’t regained her sense of taste and ...
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A Love Letter
Dear Tom, It’s hard to remember my life before you. Somehow, you were always here; always meant to be. I love you falls short. Loving you has become a selfish endeavor. It means I love myself because, in you, are so many pieces of me; ...
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Lucky in Love
In November 1985, as our loved ones gathered around, Tom and I walked the aisle, prayed, linked arms and promised to stick together for life. It still seems too good to be true. We’d found each other—our prayers and spouse-searches were over, hallelujah. With my ...
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