“Let’s go,” the father called to his four-year-old son. Jimmy scampered over and reached his small 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 andContinue reading “A Child’s Walk”
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Unexpected Blessings
Unexpected Blessings Walking along the trail, I looked to my left. What I saw stopped me in my tracks. There, only ten to twelve feet away, stood four white-tailed deer, staring at me. I stopped, breathless, and stared back at them. They stood so close I could see the black markings on their faces. BehindContinue reading “Unexpected Blessings”
A Box of Chocolates
Imagine that someone has given you a big box of chocolates! What is the first thing you do? Most would probably say Thank you, open the box, and graciously offer the first piece to the giver of this scrumptious gift. Would you begrudge giving that first piece of chocolate to the person who gave youContinue reading “A Box of Chocolates”
The Ice Storm
On January 4, 2005, the worst ice storm in decades hit my town. Over three quarters of an inch of ice coated the area, downing power lines and plunging more than 60,000 homes and businesses into darkness. The icy outdoors created a surreal fantasy world, with homes, grass, trees, streets, and mailboxes painted with aContinue reading “The Ice Storm”
Returning to Joy
Walking the nature trails, I wander across a large meadow, at least ¼ mile long and just as wide. Everywhere I look across this open countryside, I see dead, dry, native grasses. Deciduous trees dot the landscape. Winter weather has shorn them of their green garments, and their barren branches stretch nakedly toward the wintryContinue reading “Returning to Joy”
Dropping the Stones
She was caught in the act of adultery and dragged into the temple courts. Head down, hands trembling, she avoided the eyes of the angry men surrounding her. They couldn’t wait to pass judgment on her. Their faces turned hard as the stones they longed to throw. After all, that was God’s law. But theContinue reading “Dropping the Stones”
Hear the Crying
Imagine if you will, Christmas day more than 2000 yars ago in the town of Bethlehem. Jesus is born. Do you feel the crisp morning air? Do you smell the animals and the hay? Listen. Do you hear the newborn crying? Can you see Mary, seated on the floor of the stable, holding her tinyContinue reading “Hear the Crying”
Is There Room at the Inn?
For several weeks I’ve busily prepared for the holidays. The house is decked out in Christmas finery: the tree is lit, garlands cover the stairway and windows, and angels and nativities adorn the tabletops. Holiday meals are cooked, and the pantry is stocked. Treats wait for children and grandchildren to indulge. Gifts, wrapped in red,Continue reading “Is There Room at the Inn?”
December Waiting
December Waiting December is a month filled with contrasts. Days are shorter. Nights longer. Clouds fill the sky and darken the sun. Winter’s wind breathes frost on the grass and trees. Once again, we don gloves, scarves, and warm winter coats. But under the darkness, under the cold, lie promises. Promises of longer, warmer days.Continue reading “December Waiting”
First Kiss
Frost has kissed the forest. Dead leaves flutter from the trees, making Autumn’s golden snowfall litter the stream. My feet crunch through the leafy debris as the trees lift barren branches skyward. It’s silent here. No cars roar. No people chatter. High in the treetops the wind blows, roaring past leafless branches. All around meContinue reading “First Kiss”
Growing Our Faith Together 