Recently, a memory surfaced as I watched a little girl tug her mother’s hand. Nothing out of the ordinary, really, but something about the bond between mother and daughter moved me. Blue eyes, bright with adoration, lingered on Mom. Mom laughed and the pair shared a knowing look—one of those silent, happy exchanges between parent and child. A love language uniquely …
Got Some Time? Share the Love
I don’t know about you, but August is usually a busy one at our house. This time the month held a fun twist. Our youngest started back to school, and our oldest started teaching it. What was once an uncertain future, God has brought to beautiful fruition. (If you haven’t already, you can read part of our story here.) Bittersweet, to …
Simpler Times: Myth, Truth, or Perhaps… A Little of Both?
I love nostalgia. I think it’s because it calls to mind homespun values and simpler times. A few decades ago, the family was the heart of the home. Sundays were reserved for worship, neighbors helped neighbors, and tradition held meaning. We were less concerned with keeping up with the Joneses and more interested in the result of due diligence. We …
Why “Simple” Matters
Like many of you, I grew up during the “simpler times.” At least that’s how it seemed to me when I was a youngster. Life was less harried and moved at a slower pace. Until my pre-teen years I lived in a small town in a small house and attended a small school. My mother was a stay-at-home mama for many years …
The Institution That Isn’t Old Hat (Despite Today’s Best Efforts)
When God created the family, I believe all of Heaven smiled. There was a plan, and our Heavenly Father’s plan was perfect. The institution of family wasn’t an accident, happenstance, or a manmade “lightbulb moment,” but rather, a holy, God-sized feat of supernatural brilliance. In short, it was and is miraculous! Though some in today’s world might downplay it, the family isn’t …
The Letters She Kept
I grew up writing letters. The old-fashioned way. Sometimes I’d pen long, drawn out missives on pretty stationery, and when that ran out, I’d use notebook paper decorated with magic markers, pencils, or crayons. Personal computers were unheard of, and of course, e-mail wasn’t even on the radar yet. In many ways life was more of a challenge then. It took deliberate effort to …
Bogged Down? You Must Be a Writer!
I think, as writers, we often wonder if we ever accomplish enough on a daily basis. One glimpse at our desks reveals the awful truth: no. Character sketches, sticky notes, expense receipts, resource books, and stacks of other various papers and projects taunt us with, “You could have done more!” And then there is the actual thing that we’re supposed to be (want to be) …
Celebrating This Great Nation
Today I’m thanking God for freedom in Christ and for the many freedoms we have in this great nation of the United States of America. These are blessings that I don’t take for granted. I pray today you are celebrating these things, as well, and enjoying this holiday with your loved ones. We celebrated some Independence Day activities with family …
Love Is in the Air
They say a way to a man’s heart is through is his stomach. I’ve not really tested this theory (intentionally), but I do believe there is some truth to that statement. I mean, what normal, red-blooded man doesn’t like a warm slice of bread baked fresh from the oven? Or an apple, cherry, or peach pie that’s made from scratch? Or my …
Yesterday's Dance
I suppose one of the reasons I enjoy reruns of “The Waltons” is because, in some ways, it takes me back to my childhood when life seemed simpler and things moved at a slower pace. Family took center stage, most everyone we knew went to church, and parents didn’t fear for their children’s safety if they went to visit a friend down the street. Where I lived …
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