I recently celebrated another birthday. Growing up, my mother always celebrated our birthdays and made sure we had a cake and at least one present, even when times were lean, and our numbers grew. She also liked to be celebrated, right into her nineties. So, birthdays are a big deal in my family, and I … Continue reading Birth Days
One of the things I love about working on a puzzle is seeing the individual pictures, or parts, pop to life. Out of the jumble of individual pieces, a flower suddenly blooms, or a cheetah prowls onto the mat. There is a sense of accomplishment and joy in bringing them to life, “creating them in … Continue reading Our Intricate God
What’s in a name? I was named Patricia Elizabeth. Patricia means of noble birth, and has its roots in Latin. Elizabeth is a biblical name meaning “my God is an oath.” * In the early days of our friendship, my friend and her husband were talking, and Rick was trying to remember my name. “You … Continue reading What’s In a Name?
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given. Isaiah 9:6 NKJV Here we are, a few days away from Christmas Day. The stress is rising, fatigue deepening, and frustration mounting as we wonder how we will get it all done. Today, let’s take a deep breath, close our eyes and … Continue reading Advent – Week 5
“For God so loved the world…” John 3:16 NIV Most of us get a thrill from giving gifts to those who are precious to us. Our hearts look forward to blessing them with something that will make them smile, comfort, or help them. God made us in His image. Therefore, it stands to reason God … Continue reading Advent – Week 4
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 NIV God is a God of humility. During Advent, we celebrate that Almighty God, who needs nothing and lacks nothing, humbled Himself to be born as a weak, helpless human baby. Not a … Continue reading Advent – Week 2
I love puzzles. All kinds of puzzles. The challenge of figuring out the answer draws me like a lure on a fishing line. As cooler weather creeps in, I get excited about starting a new jigsaw puzzle. I have been doing them as long as I can remember. For some people, it causes anxiety, but … Continue reading Are You Puzzled by Chaos?
The LORD is the Lover of my soul. I have grown to know and love him because he first loved me and extended his grace through the Holy Spirit to me. But what have I learned about the Lord that causes me to increasingly love him? Let’s look at who the LORD is—his character and … Continue reading Why Do I Love Thee?
What is your prayer life like? If someone asked you about prayer, what would you say? I read a story once about a man restricted from working because of his faith. One night, his family had no food, and his children were crying from hunger. The man tucked his children in bed and prayed with … Continue reading Hi Dad!
Do you compare the lives of women around you to yours and wonder where you went wrong? Their homes belong on the cover of Home and Garden; they appear perfectly put together, energetic and organized, and the family seems happy, wholesome, and successful. They are like King Midas and everything they touch seems to … Continue reading Restored Reflections