They pass by with swollen bellies. Life growing within. And I remember being there. Three times I carried that growing life. I felt the pokes and prods of little hands and feet and head and knees. Not knowing at that time how the pokes and prods would be so different decades down the road. How they grow up and away! No longer needing mama’s protection. No longer wanting mama’s protection. That life giving time oh so fleeting. And as those young mothers pass I want to reach out and hug them. I want to tell them to cherish each moment.…

In tight spaces, we look for creative ways to optimally utilize the area.  Every hole filled.  Packing in as much as we possibly can.  Packed so tightly nothing else can fit. When we are bored, we find something to occupy our time.  Looking for entertainment to fill each moment so our minds are full.  We read or watch television or exercise or illuminate our faces with a screen or eat.  Cramming as much into whatever it is we are doing to avoid boredom. Always needing more. Or so we think. My office is a small space.  I sit in it…

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:11-12 (NASB) When evil invades and takes lives God is still in control.  I know my pea-brained mind struggles knowing the seemingly senseless act stripped loved ones away from families.  Young lives taken so soon.  Parents left without that child.  I can’t wrap my…

There is a deep desire in many to feel useful.  To be busy.  To feel needed.  When that desire is not met it brings great disappointment. A dear friend of mine walked away from a job because she didn’t feel needed.  Her presence created a sense of comfort for others because the role she filled kept them from being distracted from their work.  But she needed more to do than just be a presence in a place. She needed to feel needed.  She needed for her hands and mind to be engaged.  She was bored.  She wanted to believe that…

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.  Matthew 18:21-22 (NASB) I am beginning to think the old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is true.  I am struggling here.  The brain power it takes to learn new concepts may prove to exhaust all mental aptitude in me.  Zap it right out of me! I started a new job last year. …

A glance in the wrong direction can easily knock you off course.  I am obsessed with sunrises.  And January seems to have the best!  Too many times I have glanced to behold the beauty and I swerve.  The pinks and oranges and purples and fire-lit blues just beckon me to see.  Like I want to reach out and grab it.  Hold the beauty.  To just sit and be mesmerized.  But wait, I am driving. Sometimes things in this world can cause us to look in a direction other than the way we are heading.  Not always a good thing, especially…

Compassion House is approaching its 4th anniversary. In August 2013, an overwhelming presentation was made at a small country church that stirred the hearts of some to begin a mission within our very doors. A mission that could be served by those that are called to a mission field but one close to home, not in another state or another country.   So after months of planning, it happened. Not heavily attended by those in need but a few sought it out. Spiritual counseling and prayer always comes first. Then a trip to the pantry. Items in the pantry limited…

Who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  1 Peter 1:5 (NASB) My doors get locked. I wear a seatbelt. Sunscreen is a must. I even set an alarm for security. I watch my surroundings when out and about. If the dogs bark outside, I look out the window with caution and a pounding heart. None of these things protect me.  Not really. The seatbelt may have held tight if that young man on the phone would have rear-ended me last week.  I saw him miles back…

I grew up in Greenville, Florida.  It is a small town that you could easily miss if you blink as driving through.  It has my roots.  It holds my memories of childhood. I can’t imagine growing up anywhere else.  And as I remember, I remember the people I really wanted to be friends with and those that never treated me as an outcast.  I remember hurt from the ones that I really wanted to be friends with.  I remember isolation and ugly attitudes.  Bad memories for a childhood, huh? But those that never treated me as an outcast.  They always…