What I’m Giving Up for Lent

My husband typically thinks of himself as an Eeyore to my Tigger. He likes to expect the worst so he can be pleasantly surprised if something good happens, while I sometimes nauseate even myself with what one loved one calls my “joyful positivity.”

But lately he’s pointed out my attitude has taken a downturn. “When did you become so negative?” he has (more…)

The Power of the Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.—1 Corinthians 1:18

As I was leaving the grocery store, a new bagger asked if she could carry out my groceries. I said yes, as I usually do, knowing it would give me an opportunity to begin (more…)

The Death of an Innocent One

For Christ died for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.—1 Peter 3:18

Over the 16 years we have lived in our house, some of the wildlife on our property has come to view us as part of the landscape. Gary Cooper, the patriarch (more…)

Who’s Your Buddy? How to Spot Real Friends

Over the years I’ve had many friends. Some are a distant memory; some are fixtures from my childhood; some, though they have been in my life for relatively few years, I can say with confidence they will remain.

Fortunately, true friends can usually be identified pretty quickly; unfortunately, not-so-true friends can be slow to show their true colors. But here’s how to (more…)

True Love

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and loves God. – 1 John 4:7

We talk of first loves, that first person who awakened that hidden part of us, that person with whom we felt a deep and sometimes instant connection. We talk about our love for a particular (more…)