On my Christmas tree, high above where chubby toddler fingers can reach, hang three ornaments side by side. A pair of baby slippers, a ceramic work boot, and a ball with the name “Jon” inscribed on it. Three symbols of a life well lived but cut short. My heart was heavy as I adorned the tree, yet … [Read more...] about The Price of Love – It’s Worth It
Jesus
Where There is Despair, Let Me Sow Hope
Waiting on the Hope of Christmas This article is part of a series on The Peace Prayer of St. Francis. You can read other entries here: Where There is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love An Instrument of PeaceWhere There is Doubt, Let Me Sow Faith Where There is Darkness, Let Me Sow … [Read more...] about Where There is Despair, Let Me Sow Hope
Reservations
What if I told you you could have an all-expenses paid stay at the most luxurious cottage in your immediate area? What if after a preliminary stay where you learned how to care for this home, you would not only get to keep the cottage but also the surrounding land? What if you found out your … [Read more...] about Reservations
The Strong Button
Our six year-old Keurig coffee machine was making a groaning noise whenever we used it. I imagined it muttering as the coffee spewed out, “Not another cup of coffee! When was the last time you cleaned me?” The groaning noise grated our nerves enough to sideline the machine and buy a newer … [Read more...] about The Strong Button
Prison or Palace?
These are unusual times. Or maybe these times are highlighting usual truths that are not usually noticed. Crisis has a way of pinpointing troubles and triumphs, deep in the heart, unheeded. It’s not the first time I’ve been in crisis. It’s not the second. But I find each new time I’m at a … [Read more...] about Prison or Palace?
We Are Resurrection Gardeners
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know … [Read more...] about We Are Resurrection Gardeners
