Love, the Backbone of Duty

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7 The women I admire most give of themselves cheerfully, performing their daily duties with grace and love. My friend, Natalie, radiates both joy and peace. She meets the daily stressors of life…

From Barrenness to Joy, and Beyond

I do so appreciate the thoughtfulness of the Lord when he sends a timely little blessing. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the verses in my daily reading of the Psalms included this: He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord. – Psalm 113:9 If I were…

Apron Spaces

Called the “Mother of Methodism,” Susanna Wesley is famed for being the mother of Methodist Church founders John and Charles Wesley. But she gave birth to twenty-two children in all, many of whom died as infants. For those children who lived, she determined to spend individual time with each throughout the week, and she dedicated…

Poetry: Sponge Days

some days I seem to be a sponge sadly not the sea-born sort that rests now on my bathtub rim there to scrub my skin with suds then lie still again   I’m not even the kind dually designed with sides to scrub and wipe to wash the dishes and clean the counters and earn…

The Abundance of the Heart

"Don't take that tone with me!" If you're like me, you either heard those words as a child, or have spoken them as an adult—or perhaps both. As a teenager, I was reminded by my mother more than once to watch my tone of voice, as it reflected my (poor) attitude. Now that I have…

Taking Care of the Temple, Part 1

My husband and I waited five years to have our children, and then the first two followed in rapid succession. Our oldest son was a mere 9 months old when I became pregnant (surprise!) with my daughter. Pre-kids, my husband and I both worked full-time, and busy though we were, we made time to work…