I Am a Grower of Tomatoes
What was I thinking? Nine tomato plants -- count 'em, NINE -- for two adult people. How did they wind up in the trunk of my car? Yes, there is that 19-year-old who's home for the summer, but he stays away from tomatoes unless they're in a ketchup bottle or smothered in mozzarella. So what was I thinking when I brought home those nine healthy...
Forgiveness: Why I’ve Been Confused By Mother’s Day
Last week, I shared my journey to forgiveness with readers at Brenda Yoder's blog Life Beyond the Picket Fence. Today, I've offered up this reflection at Lyli Dunbar's blog Thought-Provoking Thursdays. Perhaps you, too, struggle with unforgiveness. As I examined my inability to forgive my mother for leaving her young family, I gained...
Confused by Mother’s Day: The Bumpy Road to Forgiveness
My birth mother would have turned 80 next week. Before she died 3 1/2 years ago, I was finally able to forgive her for letting go of her three young daughters so that she could go in search of herself. I've shared my story of forgiveness today at Brenda Yoder's blog, Life Beyond the Picket Fence. Join me as I explore why I'm still confused by...
Saints Among Us: The Blessing of Emi
I'm welcoming my friend and fellow writer DeVonna Allison today as she shares this beautiful story about a woman who had a lasting impact on her life. DeVonna is a freelance writer whose work has been published in various periodicals, both in print and online, including the best-selling "Chicken Soup For the Soul" series. Recently, she was a...
God’s Bigger Than All This: On Women and Reality
I've had women on my mind lately. Maybe it's the season. Mother's Day is just around the corner, and we have a special event planned for the ladies at our church this weekend. Or maybe it's life...... my little sister turns 60 in a week, my birth mother's birthday is days after Mother's Day, my mother-in-law has cancer and is awaiting...
Saints Among Us: Living Out Her Faith
I am honored to welcome a dear friend, Brenda Yoder of Beyond the Picket Fence Ministries, as she shares her tribute to her mother-in-law for the series Saints Among Us. Enjoy her reflections here and visit her blog, Life Beyond the Picket Fence at brendayoder.com. When I think of a saint that’s among us, one who’s influenced my life, I think...
Saints Among Us: Of Grandmothers, Nuns and Pea Soup
Joining us here for today's reflection is my friend, Shanda Blue Easterday. Shanda is a professor of composition and British literature and is a poet. Her latest work, "The Beekeeper's Wife", is available on Amazon. Because I grew up in a dysfunctional family with alcoholic parents, I looked elsewhere for role models. Luckily, my maternal...
A Walk Among the Dead on Resurrection Sunday
It was not what I expected to do on an Easter Sunday evening. We had worshiped, feasted and rested. Our hearts and bellies were full with celebration of Christ's resurrection. Who knew as the sun was setting we'd be walking among the dead and rejoicing over life. An evening visit to my hometown on Easter Sunday led us to Rose Hill Cemetery....
Five Minute Friday: Glue
It's what He created you to be. When He fashioned this family and set you at the center of it, God knew what they needed. You're the glue that holds it together. Dear friend, you struggle today with the burden of your role. Caught between the children who still need you and the mother that suddenly needs you. Then there's the husband that will...
Taking a Minute for Latte, Laughter and Life
Over there, behind the card rack. I can't take my eyes off you. I'm not a stalker. I'm happily married and young enough to be your daughter. But there is something about you. It could be the way you nod at the fella next to you with a smile that says "You matter to me." Or the friendly wave at the guy walking through the front door. "Welcome!...