All Inclusive

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation. Hebrews 2:3 I grew up in Houston, Texas and for one year of high school, I attended a rather elite private school.  This is the same school George Bush attended a few years ahead of me.  If asked, people who promoted the school would no doubt say it was all inclusive.  My experience told me differently.  Oh, it was inclusive if you dressed the correct way, made the top grades and fit the pattern created by others ahead of me.  Unfortunately, I didn’t fit the pattern and I had … Continue reading All Inclusive

Especially Then

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. I John 3:1   I will never forget his smile. At least, I hope I never forget his smile. Or the words he spoke or the way he spoke them. Simple words, all he said was “especially then.”  He was ringing up my purchase at the hydroponic store and we got to talking about our kids. He has three. I have four. We talked about annoying behavior as well as not so annoying behavior. I made a … Continue reading Especially Then

All Things Good?  

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 I’m not real wild about artichokes. At least, I didn’t think I was. But that was before our son, John made a gluten free, fully loaded Mediterranean pizza for us. It had marinated artichoke hearts and olives and spinach and feta cheese and was incredible. So now, I think, I do like artichokes. It’s possible that my opinion on artichokes came from a time when my husband surprised me with dinner. … Continue reading All Things Good?  

A New Start

  If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; Isaiah 1: 19 When the Israelites first came out of the wilderness, before they entered the Promised Land, they encamped at Gilgal.  This was a stopping off place for the Israelites. They were no longer in the wilderness where they had been for the last forty years, but they weren’t in possession of the Promised Land either. The forty years leading up to this time in Gilgal had probably been marked by frustration (when God when?) and unanswered questions (why God why?) and may … Continue reading A New Start

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

God said to Moses: “Why cry out to me? Speak to the Israelites.  Order them to get moving.  Hold your staff high and stretch your hand out over the sea: Split the sea! The Israelites will walk through the sea on dry ground. Exodus 14:15-16 Working with kids gives me the opportunity to know more about the book series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, than I would have known if I didn’t work with kids. I’m not saying this is a good thing; just saying. These books are a collection of diaries written by Rodney, a kid in middle school, … Continue reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid

No Favorites

  Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel – that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone. Acts 10:34 Good news is really hard to contain.  Peter fairly exploded (but Peter fairly exploded often!) with his good news. It is really good news – … Continue reading No Favorites

Basking in the Light of Reflected Glory

  And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one;  John 17:22 Floyd L. Scott was my grandfather on my mother’s side.  He was a brilliant scientist and a shamelessly romantic man.  I was in awe of him.  I seldom understood anything he said and yet I loved hearing him talk.  He always wore a button up shirt (always buttoned up) with a bolo tie and slacks and walked very upright.  He had impeccable manners and was one of the most humble persons I have ever … Continue reading Basking in the Light of Reflected Glory

A Molten Calf – Really?

Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe in His word, but grumbled in their tents; they did not listen to the voice of the Lord.  Psalm 106: 24-25 These verses come shortly behind the verses listing how God delivered the Israelites at the Red Sea, and then they quickly forgot His works and began murmuring about eating manna everyday.  In response, God provided quail for literally millions of people.  They feasted on quail and soon enough forgot God their savior and made a molten image of a calf to worship.  A calf who did not make the … Continue reading A Molten Calf – Really?

Because Love is Important

At a recent outreach event our church held, kids were given air brush tattoos.  They got to pick from many different stencils.  A little girl chose the heart stencil.  When I asked her why she said, “because love is important.” The more time I spend around children, the more I appreciate the words of Jesus when He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Kids tend to get the simplicity of Jesus’ message.  Love Me, love My Father, love other people.  Simple. Jesus touched people … Continue reading Because Love is Important

Gardening Season

“The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.”   Matthew 13:23  Gardening season is upon us here in the Pacific Northwest. Neighbors are out working up their soil and planting seedlings. I am not falling for it this year. I don’t have a green thumb but I have tried almost every year. I think I will learn from my mistakes. This year I will do better. Only to discover that I am really good at starting things and pretty bad at seeing things through … Continue reading Gardening Season