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…
Helping Women Move From Fear into Faith
Category: celebrating
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…
Marriage is so Much Trouble
One October day, Tom and I decided to make a quick trip to the mountains. While we gathered all the things, and…
I Married a Stranger
I feel a little jealous when someone says, “I married my best friend!” or “We were high school sweethearts.” I married a…
Tips For a Perfectly Imperfect Christmas
I would speed through it all and finally sit down to enjoy our decorated fresh fir… after the holidays. I was overwhelmed with sadness when I realized I’d missed some priceless moments that were gone forever.
Somewhat Simple Soup Supper
I don’t want to carry gratitude around in seasons.
I want to carry it in my bones,
I want to rest it in on my tongue
like it is a language
that I never stop speaking.
~Arielle Estoria
The Art of Life
“At the basis of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is the unaffected loveliness of the commonplace.”
Old
I’m all for the first amendment; free speech and all. But what is to be done to a word that is both ambiguous and possibly hurtful? I’m thinking of the word old.
Reaping Where I Didn’t Sow
I stepped outside into a beautiful April morning and did a little trimming in our mini-yard. Compared to the acre we lived on earlier, this one is on the tiny side. I happened along into a small spot in between our house and Debbie’s. There, hidden away, is the most beautiful profuse light blush colored rose bush. I was reminded again that I’m reaping things I didn’t sow.
Charlotte—More Than a Friend
I lost a dear friend this week. Actually, she’s not lost. It’s me who’s lost just knowing she’s not here. Her earthly ties were cut loose and she flew right into the arms of Jesus. I’m hurting for my loss but no doubt the loss is felt much more by her dear husband of over 60 years and all the extended family who loved her so much.
More House Sap
“Our house was not unsentient matter — it had a heart and a soul, and eyes to see with…. We never came home from an absence that its face did not light up and speak out its eloquent welcome — and we could not enter it unmoved.” Mark Twain
Why We Should Keep Throwing Showers
My daughter Katherine was about three years old when I walked upstairs and saw a long row of shoes–our family’s shoes–up and down the hallway, near the bathroom door. There she was, bright eyed with that perpetual smile. “Joy” was the nickname I’d given her. When I asked about the shoes she said, “You told me we’re having a shower so I got everyone’s shoes ready.”