My good friend, Jane Ann Smith, who also has six children and is about 10 years ahead of me in life’s journey, has given me lots of good advice over the years. As I began my empty nest years, I continued to watch her, ask questions and learn from her. A few years later when …

“Becoming Small” in the Lives of Your Adult Children Read More »

I’m delighted today to introduce you to my friend Susan Yates. Susan is one of the most intentional people I know and her post today is full of ways to create a strong healthy family and ideas for creating fun relationships. Summer is coming soon and now is the time to start planning for family …

How to Be Intentional in Building Close-Knit Families Read More »

Yesterday we marked the anniversary of the most miraculous moment since the dawn of time. Today, though, are we changed by the remembrance? Or are you like Martha this Monday morning … already moving on from the anniversary of the Resurrection to your to-do list?  All humans tend to see more clearly in reverse; hindsight …

In the Days After Easter Read More »

“I AM the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though He die, yet shall He live.” John 11:25 Today we have arrived at the summit! The pinnacle moment of our faith.  The tomb is empty … grave clothes vacant … stone rolled away! The Lamb of God has taken away the sins of …

I AM the Resurrection and the Life Read More »

  “Silent Saturday” says it all.  The hopes of all Jesus’ disciples were completely dashed. To watch the brutality of any crucifixion was difficult. To watch the One you loved and worshipped crucified and murdered unjustly was traumatic.  As they mourned at home, it was the Sabbath, so no work was being done. Those who …

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“I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 This trinity of names illustrates well the message of the Cross.  There is one Way to God: Jesus the Messiah.  There is one Truth: Jesus the Messiah. There is one Life Source, one Creator, …

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“I AM the True Vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  … I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me  and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:1, 5 Horticulture is the symbol for this name Jesus speaks …

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“I AM the Good Shepherd. I know my own and My own know Me. …  I lay down My life for My sheep.” John 10:14-15 Leaders are shepherds.  Parents, teachers, coaches, mayors, governors, employers, pastors, priests, and every other titled position of authority implies a responsibility of caring, of shepherding the welfare of others. The …

I AM the Good Shepherd Read More »

“I AM the Door. If anyone enters by Me, He will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 Doors signal an entrance.  Since the Garden of Eden’s passageway was marked by the cherubim and flaming sword entryways have been noted by man-made doors. Fashioned of stone or wood, leather …

I AM the Door Read More »

“I AM the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 This second declaration of “I AM” was made in the temple, a place full of people and priests busy with the business of church. Most of those present that day felt …

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Holy Week is the most important week of the Christian calendar. To help you appreciate these last earthly days of Jesus’ life and to guide you into an experience of wonder and worship, I’ll be posting a short devotion each day here on the blog. If you have our Journey to Easter Collection, the Behold …

I AM the Bread of Life Read More »

Hello everyone! March has been a month of change for us. Has it been so for you too? The weather has warmed, one-year Covid restrictions are loosening, our daughter Rebecca and her five kids came for a week (photos below) and hope is in the air. And as is true every year, March brings us …

Friends & Family Fridays #3 Read More »