A period at the end of a sentence
I am almost 67 years old. I reached my magic number with social security this month. I am about to be a grandma (Mimsy). I have an empty nest (And I am actually still without a nest). I am past midlife and more of my life is behind me than in front of me. These…
Pebbles and sandcastles – An answer to Kellen
This week “my” team took me to lunch since I am stepping away from being their admin. Some might call it retirement. Not since the word widow first became one of my descriptors have I been so adverse to a term used to define my current status. But – That is another topic for another…
Letter to the 8th “Church”
Challenged by Mike following the sermon series on Revelation 2 & 3 to write a letter to myself from Jesus, I will make a feeble attempt. The 7 letters to the churches included some form of acknowledgement or praise for what they were getting right, followed by correction and a call to action. I am…
My Friend Bill
What feels like a long time ago – and it was – we moved to Scottsdale and joined in ministry with a family of believers known as First Baptist Church of Scottsdale. We were privileged to know, befriend and love many new people, some for a season and others for a lifetime. Some we led…
Contagious!
Some things are not contagious even if they are hereditary. Just because certain cancers, diseases, or mental health disorders run in a family, there is no guarantee that someone will get it just because they are related. While the probability is higher, it may or may not happen. And on the flip side, someone may…
Heart Language
Recently I went to a men’s ministry breakfast that was honoring a friend who was “retiring” from ministry. Like other faithful servants who have a call to full-time ministry, he is not really retiring. Instead, he is just letting go of full-time employment. The people I most admire don’t really retire; they walk faithfully and…
Remembered and Celebrated
I am not one who typically dwells on the past nostalgically. I have never gone to one of my high school reunions and I do not make scrapbooks. While I love sharing memories and looking at pictures, I choose not to live life looking in the rearview mirror often. I am not saying that nostalgia…
My friend Everitt
A few days before I heard about Carmen’s passing, I heard from my dear Susan that her father, Everitt Shepherd, had gone home to be with Jesus. So many people I know are heading to the party that will never end. It makes me a little homesick for a place I have never been yet!…
My Friend Carmen
We landed in Chicago a few hours ago and when I turned on my phone I was greeted with the news that Carmen Elaine Trust went home to be with Jesus and Bob as she joined the great cloud of witnesses. I will miss the funeral as we are on the beginning of a family…
The Hardest Part – Lament
During this lent season there is a small discussion group made up of 12 or so women who meet at lunch once a week to discuss the book study called The Hardest Part by Kate Bowler. I was asked to lead the discussion on Lament. It is conversation still in process. My kids will tell…