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?
At 16, I was living on my own. I wasn’t in school, had no job and no prospects. One day, I found myself with no food and only 25 cents in my pocket. I walked to the nearby convenience store and bought myself a popsicle (yes, I am that old), for supper. I had no … Continue reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow.
Recently, there has been some disappointing and heartbreaking news about popular Christian leaders, singers, and writers who have admitted to not living rightly before the LORD. This is distressing to hear, but what has bothered me equally is what some other professed followers of Christ have written about them. We shouldn’t write, speak, or judge … Continue reading Handling Betrayal
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
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?
Are you in a season of waiting? Do you feel like a dry, withered stick, tired of waiting for the promised blooms to bud again? A dear friend gave me a beautiful orchid after I lost my mom four years ago. It had not flowered since. I watered, fertilized, tried different lighting, and talked to … Continue reading Hope Deferred
John 14:15-24 Some days, life feels overwhelming and like it is all up to you. The burdens of responsibility and busyness sap your strength and drain your soul. Loneliness settles in like a weighted blanket. How can I do it all? I’m dancing as fast as I can, and there’s still so much to do. … Continue reading Do You Feel Alone?
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV Does something feel stolen from you? You used to feel more confident, capable, and sure in your walk with the Lord, but now uncertainty, fear, and confusion block … Continue reading Thief
As a baby, our granddaughter suffered from colic. Her constant, pitiful wails of anguish pierced our hearts but we had no way of appeasing the pain or silencing the cries. When she would, amazingly to us, finally fall asleep, we would lie frozen, afraid to breathe too loud in case we woke her. I worked … Continue reading Silence is Golden, Or Is It?
The wooden deck creaks slightly beneath my deck chair. Reflected trees, sky and clouds shimmer on the smooth surface of the lake. A slight breeze whispers across its surface causing mild ripples that travel languidly to the shore. There is no splash in response, no sound of water lapping, just a visible representation of movement. … Continue reading Quiet Waters