When I went through childbirth classes, our instructor admonished us not to tense up during contractions. She encouraged us to relax instead so they could do what they were intended to do. Tensing up and fighting the pain only prevents the contractions from accomplishing their purpose. The less effective they are, the more of them…
Recently I was at a women’s event where a discussion question prompted us to evaluate our spiritual “walk”. The focus of the message was Hebrews 12:1 (NIV): Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let…
It was a sunny Tuesday morning. I felt confident that the answer I had been waiting for would come that day. I also believed it would be the answer I needed and the one I wanted. I started the day cheerfully and looked forward to my answer with great anticipation. I turn it over to…
A varietal vegetable wonderland grows in rows and boxes in our yard. Even as frost lies on the ground, a garden blooms in my basement. Under artificial light, small seedlings burst from soil blocks. As long as I live, I hope I never lose the wonder of watching a seed become food. Eleven years ago,…
Every year in March, my husband threatens to move back to Texas. In March, our home in the Washington, D.C., suburbs experiences more cold days than warm days, much to the disappointment of my sun-loving spouse. As soon as the Christmas holidays end, he grows increasingly weary of the cold weather and counts the days…
“In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” ~Job 12:10 ESV The sand in the cake incident is what finally broke me. During my in-laws’ open house, our daughter inexplicably tossed a handful of sand on her grandma’s beautiful, homemade celebration cake. It was rendered inedible, of…