Each summer, about 150 people from our church go and hang out with about 200 men who are recovering alcoholics and drug addicts at The Potter’s House. It is a place of healing, where men go to find the hope that Christ brings in order to reclaim their lives from addiction. We grill out and … Continue reading The Potter’s House

There is some controversy in Cancerland about when you officially become a survivor. The patients feel that the day you are diagnosed you become a survivor, because each day after it you are walking forward. The medical establishment, on the other hand, says it is once you have completed your treatment. I believe that I … Continue reading July 7th Woooohooo!!!

What is the difference between hope and expectation? Is there one? Just wondering. It seems to me that hope is the belief that things will turn out for the best, whereas expectation is the belief that things will turn out as we want them to. Slight, but significant difference. Hope doesn’t know the outcome, but … Continue reading Hope or Expectation

When the rug gets pulled out from under you due to life’s ups and downs you find yourself falling. How you land isn’t even up to you it feels. On your back, butt, knees or maybe… on your face. These are times of re-defining. Who you are. Your purpose. Your foundation. Change. Growth. Not God … Continue reading Faces

“Are you in labor? Because you’re 5 cm.” my doctor asks me. “Only from 2 to 5 in the morning.” I reply. “Excuse me?” he says. “I have contractions from 2 to 5 every morning. I pace, I breathe, then they quit…just in time for my 2 toddlers to awake.” I say. And it was … Continue reading Let’s Do This

There are some things about living in a small town that are priceless. I went to the community pool today, just me and my jazz. It is only the second time since we have lived here that I have been to this pool. I cracked open a new book and got set for a couple … Continue reading Summer Vacation (A must-read for teachers)

Walking in the moonlight is so different from a day hike. It is more of a stroll really. No training speed here, because in reality, I am there to experience it. Sights. Sounds. All of it blends to create the night-song. Just after dusk while the sky is still gray, but not yet black I … Continue reading Night-Song

Diamonds are formed under pressure they say. I think that any pressure that causes a black lump of coal to turn clear must be extreme to say the least. And I wonder if the coal feels like it will implode in the process, or be squished until it disappears and there is nothing left. Ultimately, … Continue reading Diamonds

A rock falls in the water. The ripples move outwardly. They continue on until interrupted, either by more ripples or the shore. Overlapping currents send even more swells in differing directions. Soon the calm surface is covered with ripples each moving in its own way, touching and creating a design of concentric, overlapping circles. They … Continue reading Ripples on a Pond

There is something about being from the south that causes me to want to move slowly in the summertime. Maybe it’s the heat, or the fact that school is out but whatever the reason, it feels like syrup is moving in my veins. (Come to think of it, maybe it’s the sweet tea.) It is … Continue reading Porch Friends