published: Sunday, March 22, 2009

March used to be just the month that followed February. Now it commemorates the beginning of retirement.

Last year at this time, Ken climbed out of his postal truck and stepped into the world of retirement. We had talked about its approach for several years.

We made plans. We consulted with ...

published: Sunday, April 05, 2009

Recently, we treated a couple from out of town to dinner in our home. When traveling, eating continually in restaurants can become wearisome. A home-cooked meal - no matter how simple - is comforting.

This unexpected treat caused our guests to want to reciprocate. But, we declined saying we had e ...

published: Sunday, April 12, 2009

Courtship and marriage was the dream of my heart.

From my earliest years, I delighted in attending weddings. The bride would appear at the back of the church dressed in her beautiful white gown while her groom eagerly awaited her procession.

As she passed by, her flowing train swished along th ...

published: Friday, April 17, 2009

Spending time with our grandson, Jonathon, is always a joy. But, during the last two visits that joy has taken a new spin.

"Do you want to have some joy?" he asked as his eyes sparkled in anticipation.

We couldn't wait to see how he defined joy; so, of course, we answered, "Yes How will we hav ...

published: Sunday, April 26, 2009

My husband, Ken, and I are considering starting a container garden - tomatoes, peppers and zucchini for starters. As the little flowers announce that "fruit" is on the way, I'll delight as it pops out from behind the flower.

That's when the hard work begins. Waiting and watching.

Picking the f ...

published: Sunday, May 03, 2009

"Do I have to go?" whines the child.

How many mothers have heard that moaning voice from their children? Whether it's a trip to the store, the doctor, a visit to a relative or church, we know the question and we know the tone.

When applied to going to church, perhaps we need to examine why. Is c ...

published: Sunday, May 10, 2009

Over and over again she does the laundry.

Over and over again she prepares three meals a day plus creative snacks and party cupcakes.

Over and over again she changes diapers, wipes runny noses, cleans up messes, drives carpool, and attends recitals and games.

Over and over again.

Whether it ...

published: Sunday, May 17, 2009

My husband, Ken, was sitting on the sofa waiting for me to watch a movie with him. I approached to take my usual spot alongside him - both of us angled with legs extended to better see the TV.

As I went to sit alongside him, I came down purposefully - not gently - expecting a soft landing on the c ...

published: Sunday, May 24, 2009

We've all heard of hero worship and celebrity worship where someone who seems bigger than life fills the mind of the admirer so that they become god-like.

People also think of worship as something we do when we go to church. We sing, pray, listen to a sermon and, by those actions, we think we hav ...

published: Sunday, May 31, 2009

Has Memorial Day become just another reason to have a barbecue and shop at a sale? Are we giving too little thought to the cost that brought us to the celebration?

Do we sometimes picture our forefathers dressed in their unusual clothing and funny wigs and forget they were real men and not just a ...

published: Sunday, June 07, 2009

"There!" I said to myself as I looked over the place settings for the morning's breakfast. "That's just right."

Our guests had come to us through a Christian travel club we belong to and I wanted to make their stay as nice as we have experienced in the homes of other members.

I enjoy cooking, b ...

published: Sunday, June 14, 2009

The fluttering in the chest as we see our nation's colors blowing in the breeze express the patriotism in our hearts.

On June 14, 1777, Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the national flag of the United States.

The flag is a symbol we both love and take for granted.

At www.usflag.org ...

published: Sunday, June 21, 2009

Daddy. How I love to say that word...that name.

For me, Daddy equals love, security, protection, caring, encouragement. My daddy's extraordinary work ethic and devotion to his family has set a marvelous example.

Dad was never tall in stature - though as a child, I surely thought he was.

But, D ...