Category Archives: Childhood

Waiting

What if the one you are waiting for never comes? It was only choir practice at the little United Church a mile away. My friend Edith and I were thirteen years old and proud to be the youngest members. Every … Continue reading

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A Walk with Rod Part 2

Hey friends, Remember when I wrote about my mom loving me the way I wanted to be loved the day after I went for a walk with a friend and talked about accepting that she loves me the way she … Continue reading

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This Summer

This summer, we aren’t camping and hiking in the mountains. We’ve booked a moving truck, signed endless documents, and will spend our vacation packing, loading and disposing of furniture.  Then, of course, there’s the unloading and unpacking.  This summer hasn’t offered us spacious days without … Continue reading

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Bumper Crop

Jesus told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, … Continue reading

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Disappointed

When old fears emerge,something in me is disappointed and wishes I’d get over it and move on. She (this part of me) has the wisdom of Jesus, knows the truth that will set me free, but lacks his compassionand patience. He finds … Continue reading

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Revelation

By the miracle of medicine and grace, my mother woke from the malaise of dementia. For two days, her quick mind was back. She laughed and shared stories. She hugged me and thanked me for taking care of her. As I … Continue reading

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A Circle of Safety

My worrierworks tirelessly,always watching, bracing for bad news,seeing the possibility of disaster,and pushing the panic button. This fearful guardian has wearied mefor as long as I can remember.But when I discovered,as Dorothy did in The Wizard of Oz,that the one … Continue reading

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Crybaby

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.–Luke 4:1,2 (NIV) Three mornings in a row,I wake from vivid dreamsof what … Continue reading

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Certain

The five-year-old ignoredthe advertised exhibitsand, nose pressed to the glass,patiently waited,until she saw a crack, a tiny beak.Finally, a wet, vulnerable chick emerged from its protective shell. The child learned:if you wait long enough,you get what you hoped for. But certainty … Continue reading

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The Truth That Set You Free

Sitting on the hillside,listening to the preacher,you can’t remember the words exactly–something about the kingdom of Godand the list of who are blessed and belong–and it dawned on you:it’s everyone.Everyone.Everyone belongs in God’s forever kingdom of love,including you. Tears filled … Continue reading

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