God used one of my grandsons, at age 8, to provide a visual aid for my spiritual journey. He was excited; so excited he barely could contain himself! His great love is baseball, and he was attending a week of summer baseball camp. He even was getting coached by some pros from our local minor-league team! Every morning he jumped out of bed, bouncing and full of energy, looking forward to the adventure that awaited. One day, though, he almost was derailed from the fun. Why? Because of a water bottle. The lack of a water bottle almost robbed him of a day of joy. Evidently he had lost three water bottles in quick succession. However, knowing he needed one, his Dad made him an offer: I will loan you one of mine. You can use it or stay home. Unfortunately, Dad’s bottle was extra-large and didn’t fit well into the backpack. And so – in a matter of minutes – excitement turned to frustration. The big bottle simply was unacceptable, so my grandson asked to borrow one of mine that would be a b...

I’m not sure I want to do this; in fact I know I don’t. It’s pretty cool outside (I get cold easily)…and I’m always concerned about falling out of tiny boats…and I don’t like sitting for long periods (my back aches)…and what will I do for a bathroom when we’re away from civilization for hours? But later – as I tramp up the stairs at my cousin’s home - I reflect on the adventure of the morning: fishing with a master fisherman.  I took a bumpy four-wheel drive trip down a rutted dirt road, sat in a narrow aluminum boat with men and worms, felt chilled from the mist, and took care of “business” in a clump of trees (my heavens!). What an adventure! But that’s not the entire story. It wasn’t just about achy bones, bumpy rides, slimy worms, and stinky fish. It also was about surrendering control and allowing myself to follow the lead of a master fisherman. Fishing with my cousin – who truly is a master at his craft – was truly an incredible experience. He knew exactly what he ...

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day which focuses on celebrating human love and relationship.  Below is a special love letter – a valentine – from God our heavenly Father.  It is addressed to you as his beloved child. Dear Child, From the very beginning, I have called you by name. You are my unique creation. With love I knitted you together inside your mother’s womb. With great joy, I remember the pleasurable days I spent molding you, and giving you life. You are beautiful. I love you. I personally carved you with the palms of my hands, and I’ve now hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at you with infinite tenderness, because I care for you. Deeply. I love your smile and your laugh. I love the silly things you do and say. I have counted every hair on your head and guided you at every step. Please remember that wherever you go, I go with you. Wherever you rest, I keep watch. I have seen your broken heart and heard your tearful sobs. Many times you have stumbled and...

Do you struggle to find balance in your life?  Is it a perpetual challenge to make all the tasks, and all the people interactions, fit into the available hours?  As women in 2020 living in the busy lane, sometimes we may wonder: is it even possible to achieve “balance” in our lives?  Several years ago, I read an interview with Jill Briscoe, a woman with a very full schedule. She was a pastor’s wife, mother of four, grandmother of 12, a prolific author, a ministry-magazine publisher, a speaker and a world-traveler - whew!  Frequently, her words have reminded me that my idea of balance is not necessarily God’s. I hope that you will be blessed and encouraged through reading this excerpt from her interview. * * * * * *  You must have had a support system in place to accomplish full-time work, both here and abroad. With young children at home, did you ever struggle with balance?   I don’t believe that balance is having the same amoun...