The mountain of responsibilities seemed a bit more than I could manage effectively. We had just spent a week with family before, during, and after my father-in-law’s death. We shared memories, grief, and conversations, bringing encouragement through the unplanned reunion of the funeral. Our barnyard had just enjoyed the birth of five baby goats, which […]
OVERCOMING MOUNTAINS Read More »
Why does the Christmas story cause such discord? So what a baby was born in a barn, receiving shepherds and gifts from affluent eastern visitors. Jesus grew up in poverty with the stigma of being an illegitimate child of an adulterous woman. His stories were filled with instructions to humbly care for others, forgive, and
Three-week-old kid goats, Maggie and Chocolate, butt heads during the day, but as dusk falls, they warm one another. Separation as they play causes one to cry to the other for protection. Watching them reunite makes me smile. Why does behavior that seems intuitive to baby goats not come naturally to humans? How do we
PEACE OR CONSEQUENCES Read More »
Let’s be honest. At the bottom of all this isolation is the fear of suffering and death. That’s an honest fear. Most humans have a strong drive to live. But, I’m sensing God’s leading not to fear but to be a messenger of hope. At 68, I’m considered elderly with gray hair and wrinkles to
Afraid To Die? Want Answers? Part 1 Read More »
War veterans, grieving widows and widowers, the terminally ill, acutely sick children, chronically diseased – I’ve cared for many in my 40 plus years of nursing. The privilege of knowing them in their suffering makes me a better person. As some embrace suffering, they picture a brighter future. This coping strategy resounds with resilience and
THERE’S GOOD NEWS IN SUFFERING Read More »
Amanda grew up learning hard work alongside her peaceful family. Kindness and responsibility were firmly embedded in her character. But words of affirmation and hugs were not part of her family’s love language. As Amanda entered adulthood, insecurities left her vulnerable to insincere words and physical affection. It wasn’t long before she found herself enmeshed
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? Read More »
Am I following my one sided, often lonely unfulfilled self-direction? Or have I stepped into the creative, healing, satisfied place of God direction?
Three-year-old Grace skipped among the gravestones where wind and rain had blown some of the flowers out of their containers. She declared, “Grandma, I want to keep these flowers.” Reading the name on the gravestone I replied, “This stone says Joseph was a father. I think his children put these flowers here to remember him.
BITTERSWEET CONVERSATIONS Read More »
