For this sixty-something woman, there are two “don’ts” that currently dominate my life. The first is “Don’t make that noise.” See, here’s my theory: When you first start emitting those little grunts, groans, and sighs when you get out of a car or move from one position to another or stand up from a chair—don’t get smart, twenty-somethings; someday you’ll …
The Logic of Grace
Anyone else watch Les Miserables on Masterpiece? Even though I sometimes missed the music (from my favorite musical), it was a glorious production – and made me cry several times. One of the times that tears ran down my cheeks was Javert’s anguish and resulting suicide because of his inability to accept forgiveness, love, mercy. Grace. I saw reflected in …
For the Little Things
I’m reading through Philippians for my devotions, and I just studied the passage in chapter two that says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (verse 14). Grinning to myself, I scribbled in my journal, “What would be the fun of THAT?” Because, you know…well actually, I can be a pretty accomplished whiner. I’ve got skills. A few minutes later I …
Madelaine Takes the Town by Storm
That was her full registered name, and she’d earned it. Born in Craig, Colorado (why didn’t I realize that was an omen for how ornery she’d be?), we drove through a snowstorm out I-70 to go pick her up, spent the night, and drove back home through another snowstorm. Next challenge: Ever tried to train a puppy in two feet …
December 1
Today is the first day of December. The holiday month, the jingle bells and mistletoe and carols and manger scene month. It’s also…that month. In the weeks after Robb died, I would go to the living room and lie down on the couch. Where I’d sob and cry out, “I want my son. I want my son!” Almost 7 years …
Sweet Reunion
So what happens when you get together with friends you first met 4 decades ago? You pick up where you left off, that’s what you do. And then you tell stories and laugh and reminisce about those you miss and cry a little bit and you feel one-hundred percent completely…at home. Because they are forever your family. And it’s a …
Maddy (aka Marley)
On Monday at 1:00, our yellow Labrador Retriever Maddy will have an ultrasound. Yes, it’s serious, and yes, we’re anxious about what the test will show. After many previous tests, we learned that she has Cushings disease. I’ll let you google that to see what that means and the prognosis, but the reason for the ultrasound is to find out …
One Holy Moment
Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart. Forty-four years ago today I committed my life and all that I am wholeheartedly to you. I had no idea what that meant, really, all those years ago. No comprehension of the joy our commitment would bring—two precious sons and four grandchildren, soulmate friends, meaningful ministries, experiences beyond my greatest imagining. Nor did I begin to …
Unpacking the Stacks
Craig and I spoke at our home church, New Hope, on Sunday, May 21. The title was “Unpacking the Stacks,” on marriage. If you’d like to listen in, you can hear the entire message here.
I Was the Target of a Bully
Most of you know that I have mastocytosis, a very rare and nasty genetic disease involving mast cells. We all have these histimine-producing cells, but mine are out of control and too many, causing a multitude of problems from flushing to severe gastro distress to the allergic reaction of shock. The problem with mastocytosis is that it’s not black and …