A Bitter Root
Sometimes you receive news that makes you disappointed. Sometimes the news is just another in a series of disappointments that originate from one particular person, but it seems like a deeper blow somehow. Like the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. And you get angry. Really, angry. You stew about it. You can't sleep. Before you know it, you find yourself randomly imagining scenarios in which this person doesn't exist, or even comes to harm. Then, shocked at how far your mind can go, and how quickly, you hear a little voice come from nowhere, a catch phrase that was plastered on everything from coffee mugs to bumper stickers. What would Jesus do? So, your mind answers...
Way, WAY Down
Disclaimer: To my educator friends: I ADORE you. You do what I believe is the hardest job out there (second only to parenting), and many of you are forced to teach a mandated curriculum, in a mandated way, for thankless pay. This is not written against you, but in support of you. What you are about to read is a departure for me. It even has an air of "rant" (so considered yourself warned), but I'm concerned. About what, you ask? Education in America, that's what. My oldest grandgirl is being taught Common Core studies in Florida. If you don't know what that is, let me give you a math example: And another one: Now, you might think that seems harder than how you learned...
War and Peace
Nope, this is not a post about Tolstoy. But it is Veteran's Day, and my title is what I imagine every American veteran's belief about their role in this life to be. They chose to risk everything in war so that we could realize everything in peace. So that we could remain free to live out whatever dreams we choose. So our children and grandchildren could grow to understand what an immeasurable gift it is to live in these United States. And that right there? It is no small thing. One of my favorite quotes of all time came from my favorite president of all time, Ronald Reagan. It goes like this: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our...
An Intimate Portrait
I've been reading a small diary, found at my aunt's house as we've been cleaning it out. Written by my great aunt, whom I had heard of but knew little about, it was her account of a trip she took in 1923 with her sister, my grandmother. Her name was Myrtle and, suffering her entire life from severe asthma, she left the dusty heat of the north Texas summer for California in hopes of finding a kinder climate. She was a fine writer, and I was immediately drawn in to her tales of visiting Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Venice Beach at such an interesting time in history. I liked her so much, being privy to her thoughts and struggles, her hopes and dreams. She was a kind, compassionate person,...
His Words (for uncertain times)
Every Sunday around here is for His words instead of mine. Feeling unsure about things? Today? The future? He has something to say about that. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7 ESV Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7 ESV Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. ~ Psalm 55:21 MSG He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Not on your life!...