When my grandsons were younger, they loved to torment one another: A poke here, a kick there, and a headlock for good measure. I had a mantra for them, “Be nice to your brother.” That helped them remember to be kind…sometimes. Now they’ve outgrown that stage, but they still occasionally give one another an “affectionate”Continue reading “Be Nice to Your Brother”
Category Archives: Christian devotion
Mr. B’s Records
Let me introduce you to an acquaintance of mine, Beelzebub, Mr. B. for short. Mr. B. is a great accountant. He keeps the ledger for souls, your soul and mine. Meticulously, he records every deed, every selfless, honorable act we’ve ever done, as well as every selfish, unkind word or act anyone has ever committed.Continue reading “Mr. B’s Records”
Walking the Nature Trails
The path opens to a clearing larger than a football field. Waist high brome grasses sway slightly in a gentle waltz with the nearly imperceptible breeze. Nearby branches of the trees merely watch the waltz, too heavily laden with yellow-green hedge apples to dance. On the far side of the field lies a painter’s paletteContinue reading “Walking the Nature Trails”
A Deeper Look
‘A Deeper Look Do you remember how the Pharisees tested Jesus by asking Him which was the greatest commandment in the law? You know, the one where He passed the test with this basic reply: Love God and love your neighbor. As I’ve been meditating on these verses, I realize Jesus spent much of HisContinue reading “A Deeper Look”
First Kiss
Frost has kissed the forest. Leaves and grasses have succumbed to its deadly touch. Yellow and brown leaves flutter from the trees. The stream is littered with autumn’s golden snowfall. As I wander off the soft, sandy trail, my feet crunch noisily through the leafy debris. Looking up, I see trees lifting dark, barren branchesContinue reading “First Kiss”
In the Palm of Your Hand
In the Palm of Your Hand Softer than a breeze rustling the cottonwood trees Sweeter than a first kiss, Your almighty hands cradle my soul. The very hands that created the stars, the moon, and the fiery sun, That formed every animal—the fierce tiger, the massive whale, the purring kitten, That “knit me together inContinue reading “In the Palm of Your Hand”
My Boat Has Sprung a Leak
My Boat Has Sprung a Leak Oh Lord, help me—my boat has sprung a leak! The hole is very small, but the water trickles in. My bucket scrapes the bottom, scoops the water it can get, But still the water trickles in; my feet are getting wet! Oh Lord, help me—my boat has sprung aContinue reading “My Boat Has Sprung a Leak”
The Stagnant Pond
All is still. Cars scurry by on nearby 13th street, rushing off to their various destinations. Sitting here at the park I hear the distant laughter of children playing A basketball bounces off the cement court; the clang as it hits the backboard echoes across the grass to where I walk A Cessna drones, farContinue reading “The Stagnant Pond”
Secure in His Arms
Tonight I am wide awake. My body is relaxed, my eyes are closed, and my breathing is deep and even. But my mind is wide awake and running, running, running. I am snuggled up against my husband, the back of my head and my neck resting on his arm. The tensions of the day storedContinue reading “Secure in His Arms”
A Child’s Walk with His Father
“Let’s go,” the father called to his four-year-old son. Jimmy scampered over and reached his hand up for his dad’s firm grasp. Eagerly he tugged on the strong arm, “Let’s go, let’s go,” he sang. Small hand wrapped firmly in the larger hand, out the door they walked, down the sidewalk. Jimmy hopped, skipped andContinue reading “A Child’s Walk with His Father”
Growing Our Faith Together 