“Mary, oh Mary, would you come here, please?” Finishing up the breakfast dishes, Mary could not imagine what her mother wanted. “Coming, mother. I just have one more bowl.” A song of praise embedded in her breath, smiling, she wiped her hands … only to find her mother standing over her. “Mary, I need you … Continue reading The Story of Young Mary: Continued
As Mary walked, she prayed her armpits would not smell by the time she reached the oak tree. This meeting with Joseph was not customary. An older man than most husbands, he had waited to marry. Joseph wanted love, not a contrived business arrangement. Father in heaven, oh God of Jacob, please be with me. … Continue reading The Story of Young Mary: Part 3 of 4
“Ahhh, mama, come quick! Help me!” As eleven- year-old Mary squatted, blood streamed down her bare legs. Overcome by fear, Mary yelled for her mother; she did not want to die, not yet. Lips pursed, her mother burst into the wash room. “Child, what am I going to do with you? Mary, don’t be so … Continue reading The Story of Young Mary, Part 2 of 4
At the appointed time, God blessed a young couple with their first child. This child would lead them in their faith if their hearts grew hard. This child would eventually carry His Son. As His holy fingers knit Mary in her mother’s womb, He surrounded them both with protection. In the world where many rebelled … Continue reading The Story of Young Mary, Mother of Jesus: Part 1 of 4
Recently, I have been faced with some difficult things. I am most certain I am not alone, as Elijah felt he was when he retreated to the cave. Prayer and thanksgiving have kept me going in the middle of such worldly turmoil. When we hear believers judge, gossip, stir up trouble … When we see … Continue reading In the Life of a Believer …
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14). With all of … Continue reading Straining Forward
It was Thursday this past week. Our Jackson, diagnosed with Crohn’s earlier this year, is now having knee trouble. Our Action Jackson is struggling in his fourteen year old heart with many things, trying to accept he is not as fast as he was last year. Let’s face it. Fourteen year old boys live for … Continue reading When hope hides …
The last couple mornings have been thick with fog. A creamy, cloudy blend of moisture and air. A reminder to me that even when my heart wants so badly to see what’s next, God’s plans are shroud until the appointed time. I was one among many who gathered to pray in the beginning of Covid-19 … Continue reading Almost to the End of a Difficult Year
Good morning, All, It is a new day with mercies from an all-powerful and true God. I will be honest with you. I always have been, though more authentic as God has lifted the veil and helped me shed those old masks of forced identity. I just finished reading Dietrich Boenhoffer’s book. The Cost of … Continue reading In the Shadow of the Cross: A Letter to Readers
We have all experienced that, right? A moment when all your senses are heightened. A moment in which you have zero impulse to react. Time is simply suspended. You observe what’s happening around you, but you don’t participate in it. It reminds me of standing below a distant eagle. wings spread wide, gliding across the … Continue reading A Surgery and His Slow Motion Time
