Note: I’ll be taking about six weeks off to work on a book and enjoy a bit of the summer. I’ll see you when I get back. Enjoy the weather. If you were to visit our area, of the country you might find yourself asking, what are those blue shelters out in the field? And why are there is so many of them? I was asking myself the same question, until I recently discovered that these blue plastic domes are shelters for cutting bees. Apparently, one of the best pollinators of alfalfa is the cutting bee. And so, it’s in the best interest of farmers to protect these bees in…

We went for a walk today. Not everybody, but most of the family. Michael and I, Brendan, Nathaniel, and our two grandchildren made our way to the park not far from home. Once we got there, Julia ran to the swings, with Uncle Brendan not far behind. “Push me, Brendan,” she said, “Push me!” After a while, Brendan grabbed a swing of his own, while I stepped up to take over the job. Not five seconds in, however, she turned around, saw it was me, and fell off of the swing. She wanted Uncle Brendan to push her. Not Grandma, not Grampa, not Nathaniel… just Uncle Brendan. There’s something about…

Drawn from my archives When my friend Elaine comes over, she makes herself at home. Her family knows where the fridge is, they know where the drinks are, and they know that they don’t have to knock when they visit. They’re welcome anytime and the door is always open. I suppose that’s what happens when you’re friends for 20 years. When you’ve babysat each other’s children and shared two decades of your life, you start to feel more like family than friends. As I got to thinking about that today, I was reminded of Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:17, where he writes, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through…

I went shopping today at a clothing boutique several miles from home. I’ve never shopped there before because of the distance, but today I decided that it was a good day for a road trip. And so, with a friend by my side, I hopped into my little red car and drove to the small town of Lockport. From the moment I stepped through the door I knew it was my kind of store. I love vintage dresses, and this place was bursting with them. Floral dresses, ruffled hems, petticoats, and patent leather Mary Janes. Where had they been all my life? Within minutes I started in about my body.…

On Wednesday afternoon we went for a drive. Just me and my son, in the little convertible with the top down and the sun up high in the sky. We just ran an errand which took us down the dirt road a few miles. We didn’t go any place interesting really, and yet we had a great time. Seems like I always have a good time in the car with my kids. It’s given us a chance to talk and to get to know each other over the years, so when my son asks me to join him for a ride, I seize the opportunity, whether I’m feeling up to…

Yesterday I made a decision to step up my game and join in with the Conqueror Challenge. So far, so fun! I’m starting with the Giza Pyramids Virtual Walk, which is 46mi (75km). Along the way they’ll be sending me post cards, and when I finally complete the challenge I get a beautiful finisher’s medal–can’t wait! (I know, 46 miles is a cake walk for some of you, but a girl’s gotta start somewhere.) I’ve been hearing about the challenge for about a month now, and since the weather is finally nice, I decided I’d start mine today. With the sun on my face and a spring in my step,…

In John Chapter 8 we read a story that illustrates God’s compassion and grace. As we examine the scripture, notice this lesson is not an abuse of God’s grace, but rather it’s a proper use of His grace. Hoping to trap Him in a technicality regarding Levitical law, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus with the accusation that she was caught in adultery. Instead of falling into their trap, however, Jesus used this opportunity to illustrate the important message of compassion and grace.  After challenging the men with conviction of their own sin, Jesus turned to the woman and said, “Neither do I…