If you ask someone to tell you what love means, I guess you could get as many answers as the times you asked the question. Right now, I’m thinking of one person who to me, defines the word love. Her name is Elaine. She is 28 years my senior. As I write this, she is waiting for Jesus to come and pick her up. Her time here, her exile, is almost over. I went to see her [...]
My niece recently sent me a picture of her eldest daughter. I’ve been held captive by it for a few weeks now trying to conclude all that it means to me. For some reason, it’s been speaking volumes, but I hadn’t been able to identify a single reason why. I forwarded it to a very dear friend of mine and asked the question, “What does this image say to you?” The only response “Pregnant pauses." I interpreted [...]
In December of 2008, I began a women’s Bible study at my church. I named it, Rock Steady Sisters. Essentially, the name represents the desires of my heart and of those who would care to join me in my Bible journey. Rock, representing the Triune God known to us by way of His Word; Steady, in that He never changes and can be fully trusted in all things in our lives; Sisters in that we are a [...]
Recently I had the great pleasure of visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It offers thousands of acres of lush landscaping, an incredible variety of wild animals and the most beautiful birds and ducks I have ever seen. Had they not spent a boat load of money advertising themselves, few would know that tucked into the back hills of San Diego County is this amazing respite from the rat race of city living. What a treasure! [...]
I looked at the clock, again. I must have done it a half dozen times in the hour. It was just turning to 2 am. I’d been tossing and turning, thinking and stewing about a message I was preparing for an upcoming women’s event for our church. Finally, I just flipped over on my elbows and said “Lord? This is yours. I’ve prayed, I’ve read your Word, I’ve studied, and yet I still feel scrambled. I’m going [...]
Occasionally I’ll come across an advertisement for some product or service that really impresses me. Not very often, but like I said; occasionally. I recently had such occasion. It was for a commercial and residential security service. Over the radio the announcer rambled on about the company and I didn’t pay much mind until the last line; “ADT. More than a sign in your yard; it’s the line in your sand.” With my usual response, I grabbed [...]
There are many wonderful things to say about the benefits of reading God’s Word every day and making it a priority to understand what you read, and then trying to apply it to your life. It’s called maturing. Actually, it’s called spiritual maturity. And it’s worth the effort. And the interesting thing about this is that you never fully mature. We all, no matter how long we’ve been believers and seekers, will never fully know Him. Well, not on this side of [...]
Some of my earthly treasures are stored on the countryside of Kansas City, Missouri; both parents, one of three siblings and her family. Time for a visit. I had a good strategy in mind as I booked my flights; first flight out, last flight out. That being the case, take off happened around 6:45 am. As is usual in San Diego, the month of May brings what is locally known as “May Gray”. That means, if you live at sea level or [...]
The jasmine is in bloom. They meander and tangle themselves all along the fences of our property. I know what time of the year it is simply by their arrival. It’s spring. Along with them come a canyon full of unwanted shrubs. Usually the ornery off-shoots of the scattered pepper trees. Recently I stood at the edge of our balcony and gazed upon the landscaping and thought to myself of the plants which were intentionally positioned not [...]
Recently I boarded a plan in Houston to make my way home to San Diego. I’d spent five, luxurious days loving on some of my children and being loved on by them. My eldest son, Benjamin and daughter-in-love, Jen; my nieces Lauren and Emily and her husband Mike and their new, little bundle of loveliness, Hazel Rose. I now have officially dubbed her “The Hazel Rose of Texas”. I had an aisle seat, so no dark abyss to sink my eyes into. Just [...]