A few days ago, I was talking to a friend who has been suffering from cancer and a difficult marriage. Who could blame her for her questions? It sure made me search my heart and the Scriptures. What would I do in her place? What does God tell us to do when we’re suffering? When…
Beauty
Think of a song or a piece of art that speaks to your soul. Recall the smell and taste of a favorite meal. Feel a cool, silk pillowcase against your cheek. When you find pleasure in these, you’re experiencing beauty. Of course, not all beauty is man-made! What is more beautiful than a vibrant sunset,…
When We Don’t Understand
Recently, a young American pilot was shot and killed in a remote area overseas where we lived for 5 years. He wasn’t a commercial pilot; he was a mission pilot. His job was to connect extremely isolated villages to health care and education. The rebels who killed him don’t want any outsiders in the area…
Boaz and Ruth
This morning in our ladies’ Bible study, we were discussing the Book of Ruth. While we were talking about the love story of Ruth and Boaz, it struck me that one of our daughters is married to a man whose parents are a modern-day Boaz and Ruth. Let me tell you their love story. Our…
Pivot!
I make lots of plans and then get annoyed when they don’t work out. This week, several trivial plan changes showed me that I need to change my response when my plans fall apart. Even though these were very small disappointments/changes, they can be good training for becoming habitually flexible. I’m slowly learning to be…
The Miracle of Good from Evil
Dear husband’s parents are 96 and 97 years old. They aren’t finding much pleasure in living right now. At times, they complain, which wearies them and us. Many times, though, they find humor in memories, and they show interest in others, which makes them enjoyable to be around. This has sparked conversations between dear Husband…