When I was a little girl going to junior high for the first time growing up in the 80's, I had to buy a new pair of shoes. This might not sound like a big deal, but it was to me. I had to find the "perfect" pair. Why? Because I could only afford to own one pair of everyday shoes. I had to locate the best "good enough" shoes for the lowest price. ...
I do not know why Some plants grow In the sun, and some In the shadows, But I do know They still grow. Morgan Harper Nichols A long, rectangular patch of dirt runs along the side of our house. It’s a garden, but no one would call it that at the moment. Pine needles lie like a blanket on top of the soil, an old kale plant stands tall, yellow, ...
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (CSB) On the day after Christmas a few years back, I noticed my five-year-old son sitting on his bed, looking rather glum. I sat next to him and asked, “What’s the matter?” He said, “I’m sad because I didn’t ...
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with all the joy and love your heart can hold as you celebrate the ...
In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she exclaimed with a loud cry: “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be ...
I’ve spent the last many weeks juggling Christmas parties and shopping lists, trying to remember which kid needs a $5 ornament and which one has to bring a traditional holiday dish for his class feast. In the midst of the holiday happiness and chaos, I’ve also been trying hard to listen -- straining for the answer to the question my spirit is ...
This summer, I started walking my dog. To be clear, we've always walked her. But this summer, I started taking her on daily, 1+ mile hikes that made me breathe heavy and helped me close the exercise ring on my Apple watch (anyone else compete with themselves to close those darn rings??). We've walked one trail in particular in heat and scorching ...
After the kids were tucked in, my husband and I wrapped their gifts, chuckling in hushed tones over their gift-giving gusto for us this year. “They wrapped half their bedrooms and put it under the tree,” I said, exaggerating slightly. “I think they used up two new rolls of scotch tape just today,” my husband observed. “They’ve pointed out ...
Our friends Jenny and Peter recently posted a collection of the sweetest photos announcing their pregnancy. Baby onesies and ultrasound pictures were pinned to a clothesline they held between them. What joy to see their smiling faces and to wish them congratulations on this good news! We make a big deal about baby announcements in our culture. ...
I wrapped my arms around my almost-three-year-old nephew's small body. His puffy blue coat made it hard to hold on, so I constricted my arms tighter. "Where we goin', Liza?" Noah asked. "We're going on a sleigh ride. You know, like in Jingle Bells?" I started to sing softly. "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, oh what fun it is ...
