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 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
November. Leaves of red, lime-green, orange and burnished gold drop in blowing clusters outside my window. It is a visual feast for my eyes, but the underlying awareness that it is November dampens the pleasure and brings trepidation. Thanksgiving looms for my American friends and Christmas for us all. The word November brings the visual … Continue reading What Does Faithfulness Look Like?
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?
I gazed down, enraptured, at the picture book. The children were trying to bathe Mr. Muggs, but he wasn’t cooperating. Soapy water flew everywhere as he jumped out and began to shake. I loved this book. Many hours had passed perusing it with either my mom or one of my siblings. But this time was … Continue reading Eyes Wide Open
Jesus didn’t come only to sacrifice himself, but to show us how to live a life that gradually leads to holiness, and that includes prayer. This is an excerpt from Paul Miller’s book, A Praying Life, which shows what Psalm 23 without the Lord or the Shepherd reads like: my; I shall not be in … Continue reading Hi Dad -Part Three