I looked and saw for the first time today a beautiful sunflower in the backyard garden.
There it was, standing tall, cheerful, sunny, unexpected.
Category: Everyday Faith
God’s loving hand in our garden of life
I looked and saw for the first time today a beautiful sunflower in the backyard garden.
There it was, standing tall, cheerful, sunny, unexpected.
Seeing our Lord as ‘Daddy’ and Hero
“Daddy’s home!” my 10-year-old son sang out as he heard the garage door open.
His siblings cheered and danced toward the door as it opened to reveal their very tired, but smiling, daddy after a hard day’s work.
“Give him time to rest,” I whispered into my son’s ear. He nodded but simply could not contain the excitement of sharing with his daddy the events of the day and what he still wanted to do.
Defeating pride by embracing humility
In my not-so-distant past, four tired children hung on all sides of my overflowing shopping cart as the checkout line inched along.
Finding heaven on earth this summer
Children’s laughter fills the air as dusk creeps gently over our backyard. Firelight flickers in the firepit, embers smoldering, perfect for roasting marshmallows.
Soft night sounds and fireflies spring up from the grass around us, and a cool breeze bathes our foreheads.
Truly this is a glimpse of heaven, I think, as I breathe out a deep sigh of contentment and thank God for the moment. What could be better than this?
Making the most of each moment in motherhood
I don’t spend a lot of time in front of the mirror. Usually a quick glance to comb my hair and brush my teeth before I dash out the door will do.
But today I actually looked and noticed evidence of growing older: gray hair.
Not that I hadn’t had any before, but this time it struck me how the gray clashed with how much of a child I still feel like I am.
We are an Easter people of hope
Recently the sun shone gently on the slopes of the river bank as my four children ran alongside it, shouting and laughing at their stick boats they’d sent downriver.
“Here comes mine!” they shouted excitedly as their sticks bobbed over the ripples in the water.
Hone your gifts for God this Lent
“Mom, what is my talent?” My son’s eyes were wide, searching, and sincere, accompanying a question that came out of the blue.
He listed his siblings’ talents that included creativity and musical ability, friends’ talents that included a knack for sports.
Fall in love with Our Lord again this Lent
My husband is truly the most remarkable person I know.
He is funny and kind, handsome and intelligent, wise and humble, patient and hardworking. Anyone who knows him would agree.
We were high school sweethearts, so we have known each other longer than we haven’t, and we have been blessed in so many different ways since we met 27 years ago.
‘Make a joyful noise to the Lord’ in the new year
My five-year-old son is a budding pianist.
Day after day he sits at the piano and plunks away at the keys, often producing beautiful songs from his lessons as well as composing his own.
But sometimes, he doesn’t. Like I said, he’s five.