The First Bite of the Elephant

Remember that old joke about how to eat an elephant? The answer is, of course, one bite at a time. As a child, I didn’t understand the deeper meaning of that answer; but as adult, I understand it all too well. Difficult tasks can seem overwhelming when looked at as a whole, especially when several…

Bible Vitamins

Every Sunday, our pastor includes an insert called “The Bible View” in our bulletin. Every week focuses on a different theme, and this week’s theme was Bible study. The writer made the point that every Bible study session will not necessarily yield a lightning bolt (or even a light bulb) of fresh knowledge or inspiration.…

Shall and Will

Ever notice during your Bible reading that verses that containing the promises of God are stated emphatically, in no uncertain terms? But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31 Unlike well-intentioned promises I’ve made to my husband and kids, God’s promises are guaranteed. He will…

Chalky Hands

All winter, my daughter, Shae, and I used gloves when we worked out, to shield our hands from the icy metal dumbbells and bars we used in our unheated garage. But with the arrival of the heat and humidity of summer, we had a different problem. Though we no longer needed gloves, we couldn’t maintain…

It’s a Wonderful Life, Job

The book of Job concludes in a most satisfying way. Job’s re-reversal of fortune always makes me sigh with contentment and dash away a tear or two. As I read the last chapter, I noticed a verse that reminded me of the final scene from It’s a Wonderful Life, when George Bailey returns home to…

Wearing the Cross, Bearing the Cross

My daughter, Shae, has long worn a simple, contemporary stainless steel cross necklace. It’s sort of her signature, and it exemplifies her desire to incorporate Christ into every part of her life. For about ten years, I’ve had my own cross necklace, a gift from my husband. It’s simple as well, with a slightly Celtic…

Living What We Blog

Something I appreciate about the WordPress world is that its members present themselves as far less gilded and glossy than those who primarily use other social media platforms. The bloggers I read (mostly Christians) tend to be refreshingly honest, while still being encouraging and hopeful. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye…

Slight Adjustments

My family spent Memorial Day morning on a nearby lake, in our shiny new kayaks and an older canoe. Conditions were great: a bit overcast (not too much glaring sun), a little breezy, warm, and mosquito-free. My older two kids paddled along well in their single-person kayaks, while my husband and I piloted the canoe…

When “No” Is the Godly Answer

Born a people-pleaser, I’ve said yes my entire life just to earn others’ esteem. I’ve also agreed to take on projects because I knew I’d feel guilty if I didn’t, in light of the person asking for the favor. They would never turn me down if asked them, I’d think. And then I’d find myself immersed…

Thank You, WordPress Community!

Since I began this blog about a year ago, my reasons for blogging have changed. At first, I blogged to hone my writing skills. My freelance work is steady, but assignments are generally weeks apart. Blogging provided needed practice.   As well, my posts provided a way to extend a branch to a community of…