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…
Grace Eddies
Grace eddies. It swirls. It makes all the difference. It changes everything. I know because I experience it constantly. I am reminded repeatedly how hints of grace keep showing up in surprising places daily. The intellectual knowledge of grace is not enough once a person has experienced the practical reality of a life shaped by…
Sunrise – Sunset
Last week I was visiting with some lifelong friends, and we were watching the sunset along the shore in Oceanside. All along the beach people were coming outside to watch the show. One of my friends, with a glint of the fading sun in his eye, stated, “Why do we all do this? It happens…
Is God Bugging You?
Picture This! Back in the day someone came up with a modern version to help explain the character of God. It included things like God is like Tide – he gets out the stains others leave behind. God is like Coke – He’s the real thing! God is like Hallmark Cards – He only sends…
It is all His anyway
Today is one month after I was the victim of a crime (the theft of my car and all my stuff) and overwhelming personal violation that touched others too. Yesterday, I finally got my car from the repair shop at the dealer. I think Betty was adequately de-“cootified”. Yet, all my things in the car…
Fires and Cars
Many of you know that I name my cars. Starting with the Moses-Mobile and ending with my most recent, Betty White, they become part of my journey through life. Especially since I don’t have my own living space, I have enjoyed the freedom of my cars. Some of you have already heard but Betty White…
One Day
“Write on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” R. W. Emerson What a difference a day makes. It may not seem like a very big deal but today is a new year. A new beginning for some. A fresh start. For me, I usually start my “new year” at…
Life is not fair
“That’s not Fair!” is not an uncommon phrase in the English language. It is an often repeated sentiment that starts being used from the minute a sibling is born. And it is a feeling that is honed and perfected over a lifetime. And yet, why do we think life should be fair? Why do we…
Past the Waves
At staff chapel this week, I was taken with the story and accompanying insights from one of my colleagues about how she loves the beach and getting in the water. She shared how refreshing it is to move past the shore break into the deeper water. She also talked about how the noise of the…