Only 22 days left. The countdown makes my heart race. The urgency builds to a crescendo tapping out every sacred moment. The notes beat a rhythm in my mind, echoing the refrain, “make every moment count.” On July 18, our youngest son, Jordan, leaves for Navy Boot Camp. The final papers have been signed. The final “Yes,” has been pronounced. Lists have been checked for the meager items he can take. Left behind are remnants of memories for … Continue reading →
I could feel the release of tension like steam escaping from a pressure cooker. It was easier to let the other car go first or be patient with the people in line at the grocery store. I began smiling and looking at people instead of hurrying into the store, eyes down, forehead wrinkled. Could just a summer break from work produce such good fruit in my life, I wondered. But the peace and ease of life has returned. Can … Continue reading →
Jordan, the Youngest (L), me and Tim, the Oldest (R) At moments I wondered how the day would turn out. The morning began quietly, leaving me a little on edge. But the sermon at church set me on the right path. “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15 NIV Our Pastor was making a point about what causes … Continue reading →
A Rose from Aunt Mary’s garden that graced the podium in Church Last weekend, those privileged to be part of Aunt Mary’s heritage packed the center aisle of the church in which Hubby’s aunt had been involved for more than 30 years. Bound closely together by her love, we all processed down the aisle where her footsteps had entered every morning for daily Mass. Her children, 5 still living, and their spouses led the honor walk to the … Continue reading →
Around certain holidays of the year, our family has come to expect that their popular potato dish will find its way to the dining room table. Known in other circles and among other cooks as “Hash Brown Potato Casserole,” the history of how this dish made its way into our family is as infamous as this mouth-watering taste treat. While scurrying through the grocery store one year during a pre-holiday food-prep frenzy, youngest (who was in middle … Continue reading →
He is not here; He is risen, just as He said…Matthew 28:6 NIV The morning began under a shady tree on a grassy slope as strains of worship filled the air. While a whisper of wind built hopes of keeping the outdoor service cool, the Arizona hot ball of yellow soon beamed steamy rays on our church family. But the worshipers were undaunted as their hearts lifted praises to the Risen Savior. Greetings rang out. “He is … Continue reading →
I’ve heard His voice while pouring out my pleas, the desires pounding deep within my heart, the prayers crying out for the one who has walked away. He has whispered to my spirit while I’ve knelt before the altar. His voice has been heard through friends’ wise counsel. It’s time to turn my heart toward Him. To forsake all others who have been the center of my attention, the desire of my mother-heart. I have said, “yes,” yet … Continue reading →
On a mild December afternoon, a sparkle in the yard caught my eye. It seemed to come from the orange tree. And although I knew it was too early for blossoms on the tree, I tip-toed out to the tree with curiosity. No blossoms greeted me, but the tree had green, golf-ball sized oranges perched on scattered limbs. I was stunned. I had never seen a blossom in the spring after our frigid winter that nearly killed the fruit … Continue reading →
Youngest was on a gym court again, challenging a few guys to a basketball game. Nothing out of the ordinary. He played Varsity in high school and was named the “top defender” for a couple of years in a row. Basketball runs in his veins like writing does mine. On the court this past week, he was “in the other guy’s face” doing what he has always done best–defending the basket. He jumped into the air for a block, … Continue reading →
Centerpiece on our kitchen table Cooler, fall weather whistled through the maple trees on campus today and the smell of a campfire drifted on the air. As I gazed at the blue sky through branches of pine trees in the desert, I felt as if I could get lost in this moment forever. Peace swirled around like fallen leaves and I imagined myself playfully tumbling into a pile of orange and crimson drifts and resting with my face turned … Continue reading →
