LASTING IMPRESSIONS

I am in awe of seeing how so much of life consists of little connections or details that prove to me the realness of God and the Spirit’s presence. It brings me joy to see and share these things with others. We never truly know the impact of our lives on other people or how simple things can mean so much. What a mighty God we serve!

A few weeks ago, it was an unexpected blessing to get to work and see a card and present on my desk from a coworker who was retiring. It was a God moment that we connected at work three months earlier. I had known of her and found the few times we interacted through the years that she was very kind, friendly, and helpful. In February, she sent a work email to a group of people, including me. A day or so later, we passed each other in the hall, and I had that inkling to see if she would be interested in one of my books. I opted to email her in case she was not interested. Much to my surprise, she said she would like to see one. So off I went to her desk. We had a lovely conversation about faith and family that lasted probably a good 20 minutes or more. She bought two different books that day. About a month later, she bought the remaining book because she was enjoying them. That day was a blessing as we shared more stories about our lives where we could relate to similar situations. What a blessing to be able to encourage each other with understanding and empathy. Continue reading “LASTING IMPRESSIONS”

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

A deacon friend shared a story of something he witnessed that led him to think about our relationship with God. I found it a relevant message for us all to reflect on.

He was preparing his thoughts to minister at the nursing home that houses dementia and Alzheimer’s patients when suddenly God ministered to him. He looked out in the courtyard and saw a couple in their 80’s holding hands. The husband comes every day to visit his wife. He felt he was “witnessing true love.” “What a beautiful example of unconditional love. As soon as he leaves, she won’t even know that he was here.” He continued, “At this moment, I am truly witnessing God’s love and compassion, as two hands are locked together, so peaceful. It’s like time has stopped.” The scene replayed several times in his mind throughout the day.

Continue reading “UNCONDITIONAL LOVE”

SCHOOL

With many colleges starting up soon and even with primary schools, especially down south, already starting I thought it appropriate to finally share some thoughts I heard about school that apply to you, the one reading this!

“What?  I am way past school age and don’t attend school!” you respond.

Well, I think it all depends on your perspective on things.  Hear me out….

 

What if we considered the following:

 

Continue reading “SCHOOL”

LORD, IS IT I?

This Holy Thursday afforded me another opportunity to experience something I had not witnessed before.  It was another case of seeing God’s providential hand where one event leads to another and another producing good adventures!

It all started when I drove by a school where I saw a musical was going to be presented. Having a friend’s birthday coming up and wanting to do something special and different I asked if she wanted to see the musical.  What are the chances that it happens to be one that is one of her favorites?  I couldn’t get tickets for the day we really wanted so picked another day that had some tickets available.  As soon as we walk in the school I bumped into a couple who I have known through the years.  And, what are the chances that their assigned seats were exactly right behind ours?

As we were waiting for the auditorium doors to open we were conversing and heard about a Maundy Thursday program at their church. My friend and I both thought it sounded interesting and said we would like to go. So that is exactly what we did! Continue reading “LORD, IS IT I?”

WELCOME HOME

Our daughter, a first year graduate student went away to college for the first time this past August.  She was very surprised to learn that the school she is attending actually provided a whole week off of school for Thanksgiving break. Her prior school only gave a few days off.

This first semester away for her, like most college students, has had its ups and downs.  Downs would be dealing with very different roommates and with college issues.  Ups would be being independent and self sufficient, planning, shopping and prepping meals.  As a mother it has been great to see how she has come into her own with doing all those “adult” type things.  Getting almost daily snapchats to see her creations or what she is doing is always comforting too.  Continue reading “WELCOME HOME”

THE LOVING FATHER

One of the most well known Bible stories, I have to believe, is the one found only in Luke’s gospel which is entitled The Parable of the Lost Son or The Prodigal Son.  I was recently reading some thoughts about the story and agree that it almost seems like a better title for the story would be “The Loving Father.” Continue reading “THE LOVING FATHER”