spiritual life, women

On big birthdays, broken china and other parables

Some birthdays cannot be ignored. The notable number may vary by the person, but the effect is the same -- ground shifts. For me, it has been the year between 59 and 60, a frankly rough season that recently wrapped up. Thank you, Jesus. It is no mystery why 59 got to me as it… Continue reading On big birthdays, broken china and other parables

books, spiritual life

Revisiting my mother’s Jesus

My mom's been gone more than three years now. That's long enough for me to have winnowed through most of her possessions, but not all. There's still some papers. I somehow have the cemetery lot deeds for literally everyone in the family -- as if the land where they are buried might be repossessed at… Continue reading Revisiting my mother’s Jesus

outdoors, spiritual life

On bears in the woods and a Psalms 37 & 91 world

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.”― John F. Kennedy "Did you hear that?" my husband asked. I did. A "phuff, phuff, phuff" that sounded like a dog panting --… Continue reading On bears in the woods and a Psalms 37 & 91 world