Over the past four years, I have lost many loved ones. Those losses—along with a recent 40-year high school reunion that reminds me of my advancing age—often lead me to think about the reality of death. Lord willing, I have another 30 years or so on this earth. But that means most of my life is behind me. That is sobering, (more…)
Making Connections
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls but has no one to help [her] up.—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
If genuine friendships are a measure of blessing (and I believe they are), I am among the most blessed women ever. Despite (more…)
Back from Alaska
I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over Me . . . —John 14:30
I recently returned from my fifth trip serving with GraceWorks Alaska, one of the most worthwhile ministries I know. So many have cheerfully asked, “How was Alaska?” I have struggled to find words.
A few days (more…)
What My Father Gave Me
Honor your father and your mother (which is the first commandment with a promise) so that it may be well with you, and that you may have long life on the earth.—Ephesians 6:2-3
This Father’s Day is my first without my father in this world. As I’ve shared before, ours was a complicated relationship, largely because of people who kept us apart (more…)
Loving Like Cats and Dogs
Iron sharpens iron. So one man sharpens another.—Proverbs 27:17
You may hear an argument described as people “fighting like cats and dogs.” But dogs and cats apparently aren’t always enemies. Recently I was watching the cable TV show Secrets of the Zoo, which showed yellow labs being partnered with abandoned cheetah cubs. The results are adorable and potentially life-saving.
Cheetahs, it turns out, (more…)