Goodbye November. Goodbye turkey leftovers, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Good bye Thanksgiving. Hello December. Hello facebook posts of Christmas cheer, goodbye thankful posts. Wait, do we really have to drop the thankful focus when we turn the calendar? What if Thanksgiving wasn't just a holiday but a way of life? What if instead of just "giving thanks" we started "living thanks"? Yesterday I had a melt down because I discovered that two recent doctor visits cost close ... continue reading...
Hope Brings Joy
I managed to stifle the sobs but I couldn’t contain my tears. Flowing freely down my face, they washed over me with the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Joy splashed from my eyes as I watched my grandson place one hand over his heart and lift his other hand into the air as these words slipped through his lips, “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.” Joining his tiny voice with over a hundred other precious voices was too much for me. Through the years, I have loved ... continue reading...
Carry 117
I wanted to capture the moments from beginning to end of our short visit; I didn't want to forget a single thing. Excited and anxious to meet the women I'd been praying for and see the place where they transformed fabric samples into beautiful bags, I paused to record the memory with a picture. Many children ran to greet us and ushered the team into the compound. Peering shyly through the galvanized fence and standing ready at the door, I suspect some were as curious about us as we were ... continue reading...
Ethiopia: This Is My Story
I love a good story, don't you? I think you'll love this amazing testimony. Sitting in the tiny room, my friend translated as a she spoke. Putting a face to the name of the woman I had been praying for instantly turned this stranger into a friend. I sat in eager anticipation of her story. We sat knee to knee as she began to speak. The most zealous of her Muslim family, she grew up dedicated to it's principles. She rejoiced when she learned of the tragedy of 9/ll. Saddaam Hussiem was her ... continue reading...
Living Water
She slid her little body down the wall until she reached the floor. Hair disheveled, shirt untucked, legs outstretched before her, she exclaimed, "That's the best water I ever had! That's more water than I've drunk in my whole life!" I smiled at Rachel, my kindergarten student who had just finished her turn at the water fountain. Apparently physical education class had worn her out! Her ensuing thirst had just been satisfied. She sat content, grinning from ear to ear. Her words made me ... continue reading...