Recounting a recent conversation between my daughter and my nearly three-year-old granddaughter, I was reminded of the struggle it can be to let go of control in our lives. (Disclaimer: Gracie is as joyful and sweet as they come…but the inner struggle occasionally...
Sunsets and Elephant Poop
Sunsets showcase God's magnificence...and so does elephant poop. Yes, that's right--elephant poop. This week, while at a meeting outside of Geneva, I stood in awe of God the painter--as I watched the sun go down over Lake Geneva. The scene took my breath away. I...
A Work in Progress
For nine consecutive mornings, while attending a church leadership conference in Singapore, I opened the hotel window curtain to an inspiring view. It wasn’t a view of the bustling harbor below or of the beautiful orchids carefully planted throughout the city. This...
Taking Risks
Risks motivate me as long as I feel they are safe, in the same way that spontaneity thrills me as long as it is planned. Needless to say, I need courage to take risks. Risks to be uncomfortable because of my faith; risks to be truthful and bold when truth may not be...
How to Have a Good Day
My husband drove his car into the driveway as I opened the front door. I was heading out to join him for our weekly extra-long prayer walk. On the way to the car I thought I'd take a quick look at the bird's nest in my hanging geranium, as has been my custom over the...
Random Acts of Kindness
The young man with eyeglasses too big and mismatched socks under his sandals stood on the median of the busy road this afternoon. I tried to assess his situation, as I eyed him a few car lengths ahead of me. I felt sad that such a young man would need to beg on the...
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Eggs
My hanging geranium plant has a guest. A mama bird made a nest, moved in and laid five eggs. The plant hangs on my front porch, and the anxious mama bird stays busy darting back and forth between an overhanging utility wire and her nest. She flies back and forth...
The Reading Connection
A couple of weeks ago my daughter ordered a book that had been one of her childhood favorites— Puppies Are Like That. Her long lost book was worn and tattered after being read again and again. She remembered this book with fondness, and was eager to read it to her...
Today’s the Day!
This morning I thanked God that I got to have another day with him. As my husband and I groggily (at least I’m groggy) roll out of bed each morning we like to tell each other, “I’m thankful to have another day with you.” Since he was out of town, after I awoke I...
The “Toy” in My Dog’s Mouth
Sometimes you just misunderstand things. You hear something differently than what was intended. Or, as in my case, you wrongly identify an object— and in so doing miss its entire function and purpose.. Last weekend we traveled to San Antonio to speak at a marriage...
Precious Memories and Treasured Traditions
Today, as I finished addressing my Christmas cards I participated in my “second annual Christmas card tradition.” After enjoying this new tradition, I received a call from my four-year-old granddaughter requesting that we institute a new Christmas tradition with the...
One Instrument at a Time
I thrill to the sound of an orchestra. One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is to walk into the beautiful Symphony Hall and listen to part of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, deliver their magnificent holiday concert. I often...