Acceptance of His Plans
Recently I sat with a friend who was dying. It was an awesome experience and one I will never forget.
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Parents, let my shrubs give you some child-rearing advice
The recent warm spell has coaxed local forsythia bushes into blooming, even though it is only March. I have always loved their bright, cheery arrival […]
When did we see you?
I’m having a tricky time looking into this week’s readings. I’m still stuck at the end of last week – the wise and foolish bridesmaids, the waiting, the kairos moment of arrival. This past week, I’ve been in Germany for the wedding of a dear friend, so last week’s text inevitably resonates with me.
The Last Laugh
The old adage, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans,” came true for me this morning.
Expecting no change
You may have gathered that I am still thinking about change. Spring seems like a good time to ponder that and this year, maybe more […]
You don’t know what you are asking for…
This week, I picked up a book at the library about St Andrew and his cross. It’s a look across history at the stories that accumulate around the figure of Andrew, one of Jesus’ closest disciples and now the patron saint of Presbyterianism.
The Lightness of Forgiveness
I’ve lost my stress list…you know that one that tells you how many points you get for each degree of stress.
But I knew I was well over the top…my computer had crashed, my TV receiver was not receiving and in making a point, with a friend, I had been a bit harsh and undiplomatic.
What, me worry?
As we prepare to move out of our old house, we are faced with the huge task of removing the front yard vegetable beds. There […]
Anticipating Change
This is about the time of year that I get totally sick and tired of winter – even the relatively nice winter we’ve had this […]
Who do you say that I am?
How are you? We have passed the half-way point in Matthew now. How has the reading been for you? Are you finding what you expected? And any surprises? What are you finding in this rich text?
A Voice in the Storm
I hurried to get finished with my sewing. It was noon and I was behind schedule. As my machine hummed my mind wandered and then stopped. I could hear a child crying.
Now that’s tenacity
Coming home from church last week my daughter said, “Mom, do you know those purple flowers outside the window in your office? They’re blooming!” I […]
Learners on the Road
Jesus’ twelve named friends are students on the road. And aren’t we all?
Isn’t that a wonderful way to look at these lives we’ve been given? Sent-out and called to learn as we go.
What Lights Up Your Life
The view out the living room window is the reason we bought the house. There is a winding road edged by large poplars and fir trees that leads out to the access avenue. Beyond all this is a view of the city, sitting in the lap of the surrounding hills and way beyond that a glimpse of snow covered mountains.
Winter or summer the view delights the eye.
But like life, there are always things that spoil what was perfect.
The journey continues
I first began to blog in 2008. I’ve always enjoyed writing, especially short, inspirational pieces and thought blogging would be a good way to use […]
Baking Daily Bread
Monday morning and baking bread. I just got the loaves out of the pans and the house smells like home. But it was a bit of a wrestle.
I went to the garden centre this morning while the bread was finishing its rise, and came back with a great selection of seeds. So, as I was prepping the pans for the loaves, I was thinking ahead to my glorious summer garden. I buttered the sides of the pans as usual, and then forgot the bottoms.
The Freshness of Senior Years
I had a conversation recently with my cousin who attends an evangelical church in town. We often talk about our religious beliefs. I love her dearly and we share easily what is happening in our churches.
Lent begins with discipline
Lent begins and, with it, an emphasis on spiritual disciplines. The big ones: fasting, meditation, silence. And storytelling.
Because reading stories is a spiritual discipline, too. We don’t label it like that at bedtime, but it is.
Overabundance
Finally, we couldn’t stand it any longer and we rapped on the door.
“Could we please pick some of your apricots?” we begged. “They are falling off the trees and we can’t stand seeing them go to waste.”
A Whole New Adventure
When I began this blog, it was to chronicle my sabbatical escapades. Now I am about to take on a whole new home and garden adventure. […]