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...

“ Creativity is    intelligence   having  FUN ” Albert Einstein For the second year in a row, our church offered a special children’s event at Christmas. The kids enjoyed breakfast, music, a Christmas story, and then visited interactive project tables where they could create unique items to give as gifts.  After the kids finished, the volunteers had the opportunity to create something. So what did I do? I headed over to the robot-making table where I made a metallic creature out of a tin can. I glued on nuts, bolts, wires, beads, and buttons to give it a face and a personality.  It is incredibly fun to engage in such creative play! Last year I made a short robot; one with straight antennas and pink eyes. I made her hair out of glue from the glue gun, gave her a jingle bell for a nose, and added sturdy antennas so she could pick up radio signals from outer space…ahhh, the world of imagination! This year I made a large robot by starting wi...

Respect your body when it’s asking for a break. Respect your mind when it’s seeking rest. Respect yourself when you need a moment for yourself. I imagine that when we read this, most of us would nod in agreement. Yes, we should respect our bodies and our minds. Yes, we should honor ourselves when we need a moment to disengage. And yet…what we say we agree with…we often don’t actually do. There are many reasons for this, but here’s a few that come to mind:  Feeling driven to accomplish. Feeling responsible. Wanting to keep going.  These desires and compulsions can override – and even mute – the Holy Spirit’s voice within us.  I sometimes behave as if I’m wired to “do”, not just to “be”. Words like accomplishment, success, efficiency and productivity fuel my natural inclination to keep going, despite what my body, my soul or my spirit may say.  Perhaps this also is your feeling…your experience. Let’s be honest: it’s difficult to give ...

Several months ago, a sweet friend shared a prayer with me, attributed to Father Thomas Keating. I continue to read it because it helps my anxious spirit and restless heart. It begins with the word “Welcome.”  The Welcome Prayer Welcome, welcome, welcome. I welcome everything that comes to me todaybecause I know it’s for my healing. I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions. I let go of my desire for power and control. I let go of my desire for affection, esteem,approval and pleasure. I let go of my desire for survival and security. I let go of my desire to change any situation ,condition, person or myself. I open to the love and presence of God and God’s action within. Amen I like the word “welcome”, don’t you? It’s a greeting that introduces someone to a new relationship, a new place, or a new situation. It’s meant to help someone feel at ease and accepted. I’m glad Father Keating starts with welcome…because...