Posted on

Snow and Plows

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11 ESV

One of the benefits of living in Carlisle is that we no longer have to take care of a yard. It also means the HOA takes care of all snow removal, including shoveling our walk and driveway. Honestly, I did not mind shoveling. But weather forecasters predicted bitter cold to follow the snow, and I was relieved to know neither Terry nor I would have to deal with the ice-clad snow.

Monday morning, I was still dreaming of snow-covered landscapes and hot coffee when I heard shovels scraping pavement outside my bedroom window. Next, what I assumed to be a Bobcat with a plow groaned while pushing snow across our cul-de-sac. I heard Terry rustling and asked if he thought the noise was plowing. He stood up and confirmed the grating noise was indeed the landscaping crew working hard to clear the driveway. I lifted my phone and the time 5:28am swam into view. I started to grumble and caught myself before uttering a complaint. Instead, I verbally reminded myself to choose gratefulness and contentment.

Throughout my writing, I have repeatedly stated that contentment is the most important trait one can develop. It is not something that people are naturally born with. Instead, it is what Paul refers to as a secret in Philippians 4:11. He says, “I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” This is not a top-secret clearance message Paul received from God. Rather, it was something Paul also needed to cultivate in his own daily life.

Paul’s name may have changed after conversion, but his personality did not. This man was recorded as being zealous in his belief that the people who followed Jesus were committing blasphemy. He was on his way to Damascus to hunt them down when God spoke to him. Like most new believers, Paul may have been ready to jump to the streets to share about his encounter with God. Instead, the Bible records that he spent 3 years praying and studying the life of Jesus. I can imagine Paul thinking to himself after 2 months, I am ready. But instead, God clearly had another plan in mind. He waited another month and inquired of God whether he was ready. But just like a child who asks if we are there yet, Paul was repeatedly denied and waited for God to release him. This gave Paul time to learn contentment in God’s plan, not giving in to his zealous nature to take on the cause of Christ.

This waiting time helped Paul learn how to manage challenging situations later in life. His ministry reached the greater part of the known world at the time. He was welcomed by some communities, while in others he was chased out of town. Paul was whipped, stoned, and shipwrecked. At the time of his letter to the Philippians, he was in a Roman prison. Yet, after Paul stated he had learned to be content, he continued to say in verse 13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

For me, contentment is not based on my bank balance, the vacations I do or do not take, or whether I am having a good hair day (curly, frizzy hair is a real issue in this current season of life). Instead, I have to trust God daily to supply my needs, and I try to express gratitude in all circumstances. I recognize I come from a place of privilege; I have shelter, food, clothes, and healthy relationships. But Paul was in some terrible situations where he didn’t have his basic needs being met, and he still chose to pursue contentment. I only pray that I can do the same.

This week has been super cold with temperatures dropping below zero. It reminds me of Wisconsin, and it is the first time that I have not been homesick for my lake. It would be easy to fall into the trap of complaining about the bitter cold, wishing I were basking in the sun. So, I bundle up in warm sweaters and cozy socks, and drink warm beverages. I continue to curl up on the couch with extra throws while reading by the glow of my fireplace. And I remember daffodil season is only two short months away.

Posted on

The 7th Annual Book Review

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

For writing, last year was a dismal year. I can make all kinds of excuses, but the reality is, it was easier to scroll than to process. I thought my November Formations series would help, but I forgot that December is a crazy month in the non-profit world. Therefore, my Christmas Genes series will be postponed till 2026 Christmas.

My reading life also took a bit of a hit, but again, I am not going to bemoan this. I still managed to read 43 books. Looking over my Year in Books on Goodreads, I read over 13,235 pages. I indulged in poetry, reading poems aloud with my husband at night. I immersed myself in fiction that helped me escape some of the tough situations I was navigating. And I read books that made me laugh, despite the tough topics they addressed.

This is my 7th Annual Book Review List, and looking back over past years, I see a list of books that still impact my life and that I continually recommend to others. I always evaluate my choices with Terry, partly because he is my favorite person to talk with about books. The other part is that he helps me keep the list diverse. He also reminds me of my reading experience. For example, he mentioned a book I finished earlier in the year that I repeatedly discussed with him.

I did something this year that I won’t do again. I finished a book I hated. It was lent to me by a friend, and I felt an obligation to complete it. The book was fiction and was written from a Christian point of view. I found the themes of misogyny and abuse being justified by the author, elevating the trope of the pious, long-suffering Christian woman. I kept hoping the book would redeem itself. Instead, I finished the book disappointed and will never recommend this author to anyone.

So here is the list: -drumroll, confetti fall, and I wish I had a red carpet where the books could display themselves in their full glory. I hope my words entice you to pick up one or two of these titles.

Poetry was a theme this year, with Terry and me completing 5 poetry books together.  Although we both love Mary Oliver, A Bit Much by Lindsay Rush (#maryoliversdrunkcousin) took the lead. Her poem “She’s a Bit Much” affirmed me in ways that I had attempted to express in prose. Throughout the book, she takes insults or put-downs and turns them around to frame them in a positive way. The poems made me laugh, smile, and increase my wonder at the beauty of women and the way we live. Additionally, reading Maggie Smith’s Dear Writer also encouraged me to dabble in writing my own poetry.

My second book was the last fiction book I completed among all the great fiction I read this year, including Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere, Kiran Desai’s highly acclaimed The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, and Amor Towles’ The Lincoln Highway. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a bittersweet story written in letters by Sybil, an older woman in her third act of life. You uncover what life events have shaped her and how, even in your last days, you can rewrite your story. It is filled with hope, tragedy, and old-fashioned piety. I love how she nails all mother/daughter conflicts with this statement “I know you think of me as your mother only, but please remember, inside I am also just a girl.”

My third book recommendation is Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand by Jeff Chu. Chu leaves his profession to enter a theology program at Princeton, which happens to have a working farm that theology students help tend and learn from. He tackles topics like forgiveness, love, and hope. It challenged some of my theology regarding the meaning of the parable of the good soil. Chu says, “What if the parable wasn’t about categorizing good versus bad, healthy versus unhealthy, sinners versus saints? What if the parable were understood less as a prescription—you need to be the good soil—and more of a description of what was actually happening, both in the ecosystem around us and in our own lives? What if Jesus was describing the realities of both soil and soul, which were ever-changing and subject to outside forces?” Chu intertwines nature, his Chinese heritage, and his own unique Christian faith. Although I may not agree with all his conclusions, I can still glean from some of the truths he illuminates.

I read quite a few memoirs that dealt with some tough issues, including Tyler Merritt’s This Changes Everything, which deals with cancer, and Melinda Gates’ The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward, which grappled with the ending of her marriage and pulling out of the Gates Foundation. But Jen Hatmaker’s Awake (who happens to be Tyler Merritt’s girlfriend) was everything I hoped it would be and more. Just as with Chu, I don’t draw the same conclusions Jen draws, nor would she want me to. Instead, her vignettes of the end of her 26-year marriage, along with the unraveling of patriarchy, purity culture, and misogyny, echoed my own thoughts of the last few years. She articulates how purity culture produced “a crop of women who hated their bodies.” She talks about how “the church that raised me bears almost no resemblance to the one dehumanizing refugees.” Jen also defines and addresses codependency in ways that felt all too familiar. Although Jen has chosen to stop attending church while still believing in God, I continue to attend. I also hope to be a voice in the church that offers a Biblical way to support those who are marginalized.

Finally, my last book is Meg Najera’s Overflow: The Fine Art of Cultivating Joy in Sorrow. This book kept me grounded when life was swirling around me. Meg’s faith is imprinted on the pages in her beautiful words, intertwined with scripture. She unpacks principles such as prayer and repentance and explains how they will help us cultivate joy.  She then shares a journal entry she has written that applies to the principle. In Entry 15, Meg shares, “Gratitude is a pathway to contentment and helps guard against the sin of covetousness.” Her writing is poetic, thoughtful, and practical. This book makes an excellent devotion that I intend to reread.

I am also a bit of a podcast junkie and like to include a podcast or two that have inspired me. This year, I am including two political podcasts. Phil Visher, of Veggie Tales fame, has created a media company that addresses political issues from a Christian perspective. Along with Skye Jethani, Kaitlyn Schiess, and sometimes Esau McCaulley, Phil hosts a weekly podcast called The Holy Post. It addresses hard issues like the death of Charlie Kirk, RFK’s vaccine standards, and ICE enforcement from a theological point of view. These thoughtful commentators interview other thinkers and authors to examine politics and foreign policy through a Christian lens. And it doesn’t hurt that the theme song reminds me of my children singing along with Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber.

I also enjoy Pantsuit Politics hosted by Sara Beth Silverman and Beth Silvers. These women offer thoughtful commentary on political issues. They may lean in one direction, but work hard to provide balanced views. Both have a legal background and offer both a historical and legal perspective. They also end the news with something that is on their mind outside of politics, ranging from books they are reading to thoughts on how to raise children. They are widely regarded for keeping us “informed without the overwhelm or anxiety.”

I want to acknowledge that some of my recommendations are not for everyone. Nor do I endorse every single thought the authors put on paper. But reading outside your comfort zone about other viewpoints is a good thing. For me, it has opened my mind up to new ideas, increased my empathy, and challenged me to draw closer to Jesus.

I also want to share a new project that could take me years to complete. I am going to read a book set in each of the 50 states, and eventually every country in the world. I know this is ambitious, but I think it would help me see more of the world from my armchair. Also, I find it fun to set goals and work towards something.

I would love to know what you read in 2025, and if you didn’t read anything, there is no better time than 2026.

Posted on

Christmas Genes 1: Tamar

“She is more righteous than I am,” Genesis 38:26

I remember the first time I felt “othered”. I knew from little on I was not the same as my siblings; we didn’t have the same father, and my bone structure and the tone of my skin were disparaged by him. But this feeling of being “othered” was different than my daily experience. It was the last day of second grade, I loved school, and I was excited to read fluently. I don’t remember stealing the candy bar; I just remember the teacher asking me if I had taken an extra birthday treat. I remember denying it and feeling a wave of guilt, but the chocolate smear on my face gave me away. Lifting my desk, she saw the evidence, a crumpled wrapper. She gave me a note to take home. Handing it to my father, he sneered with disgust immediately. Despite normally being an obedient child, he instantly found a way to publicly humiliate me. He told my siblings I was a thief, and for the next two weeks, made me stay inside while the rest played outside. That summer, I wore my first scarlet letter.

Feeling “othered” is a universal feeling among women. Whether or not we are athletic enough, fit societal standards of beauty, or are talented enough in certain areas, at some point in our lives, we don’t feel like we measure up or fit in. Misty Copeland, principal ballerina for the NYC Ballet Company, despite her raw talent, faced scrutiny by critics that she didn’t have the “right look” for a ballerina. Oprah Winfrey was told she needed to lose weight by Joan Rivers. Jamie Lee Curtis was typecast as a horror actress and worked hard to find different roles for herself in Hollywood. The list goes on and on.

There are several Tamars in the Bible. The account of this Tamar takes place in Genesis 38. Judah’s mother, Leah, could never win her husband’s favor, even after the birth of three sons. Finally, after her fourth son was born, she decided to focus on the favor of God, naming her son Judah, which meant “I will praise the Lord.” Judah married a Canaanite woman and gave birth to a son, Er. She also gave birth to two other sons. Later, Judah arranged for Er to marry Tamar. Immediately, the Bible records that “Er was wicked” and the Lord took his life. Some commentaries point out how close this followed his marriage, believing that it might have something to do with how he treated Tamar.

In most of the world at that time, widows were left to fend for themselves. They often had to return to their father’s home and remain single for the rest of their lives. Hebrew law made provisions for the widows and for the lineage of the deceased husband. It involved the widow marrying her deceased husband’s brother. Judah arranged for Tamar to marry his second son, Onan. Displeased with this arrangement, Onan treated Tamar like a prostitute, ensuring she wouldn’t get pregnant. God was disappointed with Onan’s treatment of Tamar and took his life as well.

Judah secretly blamed Tamar for the death of his two sons. He never sought God, who may have led him to the truth about his sons’ wickedness. Instead, he led Tamar to believe that once his third son, Shelah, grew up, he would give Tamar to him in marriage.

So, Tamar, twice widowed, was sent back to her father’s house. I can’t imagine how othered she must have felt. Women her age were married and giving birth to children. Instead, she probably went to the market, with people whispering about how she was either unlucky or evil, causing the death of two husbands. Years went by, and Tamar got to see everyone else’s life flourish, while she sat on the sidelines, watching life pass her by.

Names were important in the Bible, and “Tamar” meant date palm. Date palms symbolize righteousness and vitality. Dates have a lot of nutritional value, including lowering bad cholesterol, being packed with Vitamin B, and helping balance the digestive tract. Because of their high sugar content, they require a lot of energy to grow the 200-300 dates in a season. Thus, they need to grow together and get a lot of water to flourish.

After a while, Tamar realized that Judah had no intention of honoring his word. By this time, she was probably aware of the promises given to Judah’s great-grandfather, that the one true God called this group of people into a covenantal relationship with him. She was tired of being othered and she was desperate to be a part of this Godly heritage. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute, the very thing that Onan had treated her like. She seduced her father-in-law and held his seal as a promise of payment.

Judah later heard that his daughter-in-law was pregnant. In his mind, this confirmed his preconceived notion of Tamar. His immediate response was to have her burned. As they were taking her out to be killed, Tamar let them know that the father of her unborn child was the person who owned the seal she held. Judah recognized it as his own immediately and declared, “that she was more righteous than I.”

The story goes on to say that Tamar gave birth to twins. The midwife saw one of the babies’ hands reach out, and she quickly tied a scarlet thread onto the wrist, declaring this was the firstborn. This was important because he would inherit all the rights of the firstborn. But Perez pushed back his brother and came out first, with his name meaning “breaking out.” Perez’s name was more significant than breaking out first from his mother’s womb. Biblically, he was given the honor of the covenantal lineage, over his older brother Shelah. The Bible doesn’t say why, but Judah hinted at this when he declared Tamar’s righteousness over his own.

Today, women respond in one of two ways when feeling othered. Like Tamar, some women take matters into their own hands to get the outcome they desire or deserve. But it is interesting that Matthew doesn’t tell just Tamar’s story in the lineage. He includes three other women as well. This could point to the other way women can handle feeling othered. Women can collaborate with other women, bind together with supportive men, and change the false narratives of society. I have seen women athletes champion all women across different sports. I see it when writers encourage other women to write and mentor them along the way. I see it in the church when older women mentor younger women to grow in godliness and character.

I want to reiterate that date palms only flourish when well-watered and in community with other date palms. Jesus wants women to flourish well in healthy spiritual communities that support all women: single, married, widowed, or divorced. He created women to have all different personalities: some are bold, while others are quiet. He created women of all different shapes and sizes. He created women to express their creativity in different talents. And all these women should be celebrated and treated like valuable members of the community, not only by other women, but by men as well, especially those who are spiritual leaders.

How does one gauge the healthiness of their community? A good place to start is to ask the women in your circle if they feel “othered.” Only ask this question if you are willing to suspend judgment and exercise curiosity. The answers may surprise you, and you may find yourself challenged to be more supportive of women. Judah quickly saw the folly of his own judgment and declared Tamar’s righteousness without blame-shifting. Next, ask God to help you see women the way Jesus sees women. Finally, start implementing changes in how you speak to and about women in general and work towards creating a more inclusive environment.

In the Christmas story, Matthew ensured for eternity that Tamar would no longer be “othered.” I am forever grateful for that!

Posted on

Chirstmas Genes: Intro

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

My husband loves investigating his genealogy. After subscribing to Ancestry.com, he learned that his Scottish family arrived in the US in the mid-1700s. Further back, he discovered that his ancestors lived in a castle and he is distantly related to England’s Queen Camilla. Less than two weeks later, he also found that one of his more recent ancestors was convicted of murder.

Learning about your ancestry can help people feel rooted. Reading the names of my own indigenous relatives helped me connect with my biological father’s family in unexpected ways. I even discovered some more siblings. Some people prize these roots so much that infamous people are cut out of their family trees. It is as if their entire existence is erased because their relatives don’t want the family tree marred by a rotten branch.

I went to the same high school that my mom and her siblings attended. Because I had my mother’s maiden name, the high school principal, Mr Havey, asked if I was related to Dennis and Dave Walter. My twin uncles were amazing men, but had a reputation for being a bit mischievous in high school. Quite often, Mr Havey would call my grandmother to report on their escapades. I replied yes to his question but quickly reminded him I was also related to Kenny and Debbie Walter, my uncle and aunt, who were much more studious. I wanted him to know who I identified with as a high school student.

For the next few weeks, I will be writing about the genealogy of Jesus. Specifically, I want to examine the four women that Matthew chose to include in his account of Jesus’ birth. First, the fact that he was willing to include women in the genealogy says something significant about Jesus. Matthew was trying to prove the “Jewishness” of Jesus by tracing his lineage back to Abraham. But, inspired by God, Matthew included women in Jesus’ genealogical record, which was controversial in those days. Furthermore, all four women had stories filled with brokenness perpetuated by the misogynistic society in which they lived. Again, inspired by God, Matthew included these women for a reason, and that reason gets at the heart of who Jesus is.

Another woman, Mary, the mother of Jesus, said it best in what is referred to as her “Magnificat.” Mary offers this praise after her cousin Elizabeth confirms that Mary is indeed carrying the Messiah. This praise came when so much was still unknown in her future. Her betrothed, Joseph, had not yet indicated how he was going to manage this scandalous pregnancy. According to Hebrew law, he had the right to publicly shame her by legally divorcing her. Despite her uncertain future, Mary was confident in God, declaring “My soul magnifies the Lord.” She goes on to say, “For he took notice of his lowly servant girl and from now on all generations will call me blessed.” Jesus was lifting women up for future generations.

On the surface, it’s obvious that women were treated unfairly in biblical times. Many Christians have perpetuated that in the modern church. They have minimized women’s roles in ministry, marriage, and life. However, reading deeper, you can see that Jesus was trying to raise up women. Peter declared that salvation was for men and women. Jesus declared he came to set the “captive free.” Women were, and continue to be, captive by limitations contrived by society. Jesus intended salvation to bring women liberty and freedom.

My husband reminded me how significant it was that Matthew added these women in the Bible. Matthew knew firsthand how the prejudices of society could impact a person. As a tax collector on behalf of the hated Roman government, Matthew was an outcast among his own people. It is likely he was called names, shunned, and spat upon. He may not have been welcomed in the temple or allowed to share Shabbat with his family. Jesus saw how loneliness and bitterness had broken Matthew’s spirit. But Jesus also saw beyond what others labeled as an outcast and called Matthew to be his disciple. Over the next few years, Matthew was an eyewitness to how Jesus treated those devalued by society, especially women, several of whom were named as followers of Jesus.

Join me and hear the stories of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bethsheba. Note: I want to give credit to Raymond Woodward for inspiring this piece with his message “Broken Christmas.” You can find his message on YouTube. I disagreed with his interpretation of Bethsheba. Read my upcoming piece on her to see my interpretation

This is a picture of my uncles, Dennis and David, who have since passed away.
Posted on

Formations 21: Tree Hugger

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.” Jeremiah 17:8

Terry and I drove by our old house and were devastated when we saw the maple tree we love had been massacred. Yes, this is a slight exaggeration; we were devastated because our maple tree had been trimmed to fit the stereotypical tree shape most HOAs dictate. Gone were all the branches that countless children had dared to climb. Gone were the low-hanging branches that we ducked under while we mowed the lawn. Gone was the canopy that provided backyard shade on hot days. Yes, the tree was still there, and I am sure it will fill out beautifully next year. But right now, it is half the tree it used to be, and I mourn the memory of the maple tree that was.

My husband loves trees and shares this passion with me. His absolute delight is contagious, and I, too, have fallen in love with these majestic monuments of nature. They provide many benefits for us: cleaner air, cooler temperatures, better stormwater management, improved health by reducing stress, and the creation of habitats for wildlife. I have done a deep dive on trees with books like The Hidden Lives of Trees, Reforesting Faith, and the most recent, Tree Collectors. These authors have helped me see how trees are communal, distinct, and important to God.

But more than reading about trees, I love taking walks among trees. Whether it is a park where a weeping willow is swaying in the wind, or down a city street where Ginkgos have been planted. I love to explore the woods where I walk on needles and smell the scent of pine trees. Like a child, I stop to pick up leaves, run my fingers across the bark, and gaze up to look at the crowns of oaks, birches, and elms.

Trees are another treasure from a good God.

Posted on

Formations 20: Friendship

“Share each other’s burens, and in this way, obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Research indicates that having three to five friends is associated with high life satisfaction. Other studies have demonstrated that having at least six friends can improve overall health. I know I have more than six people in my inner circle, and that makes me a blessed woman.

I am so thankful for my lifelong friends who have been with me at every major milestone in my life. They accepted me as a messy teenager and still love me in my middle age. I am blessed.

I am so thankful for the family that I call friends. Some of them came with titles: sisters, cousins, and aunts. But somewhere along the way, that relationship has moved from an obligation to a rich friendship, and I am blessed.

Moving from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It took some time, even moving churches, but I have found a group of friends that I am so blessed to do life with. Whether it is sending messages on a text stream, going out for coffee, or just having a game night, these people know, accept, and love me. I am so blessed.

I may not have a lot of money in the bank or a vault full of jewels. I may not be able to travel to Bali or Blackberry Farm for a week’s stay, but my life is rich. It is rich with relationships, old and new. And when appraised, the value is priceless.

Posted on

Formations 19: Alexa, Please Play…

“I will shout for joy and sing your praises,” Psalms 71:23

Alexa has reawakened my love of music. Sometimes, I ask her to play worship music, and I get lost in communion with God. Other times, I bop around to 80s music from my own teenage era or start my morning with modern music from Forest Frank or Cain. Sometimes, Terry and I play Sinatra or Bublé and dance slowly in our living room. (I would dance to Ed Sheeran, but Terry doesn’t share my love of him). Other times, I sing off-key to Broadway hits or belt out Adele or Taylor. Music inspires, motivates, and transforms me. I love old, new, indie, pop, classical, and jazz. And yes, I know it is only November, but I am blissfully indulging in Christmas music (this is the only time I don’t want any comments from the “no Christmas before Thanksgiving” people; let me live my life the way I want). I believe that music is a good gift from a good God. So, bring on the banjo, cello, and keyboard, just maybe not at the same time.

Posted on

Formations 18: God’s Word

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalms 110:105

God’s Word

Nourishes me,

Encourages me,

Inspires me,

Reminds me, and then,

Convicts me.

God’s Word

Informs me,

Persuades me,

Awakens me,

To whom God is

And who I am not.

God’s Word

Has been misaligned,

Has been weaponized,

Has been misinterpreted,

Has been misused,

And this is so unfortunate.

God’s Word

I need to study,

I need to mediate,

I need to pray.

And when I repeat,

It will be alive in me.

Posted on

Formations 16: Adulting

“O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

I love all the seasons of adult life.

In the spring of adulthood, I embraced collegiate life like a sponge. I adopted new ideas and became more passionate about others. I saw every opportunity as something to try and find out what I liked and what I didn’t. Although I poured myself into my studies, I poured myself into my friendships even more. Life seemed full of possibilities, and I wistfully dreamed of the future. It was the season when I fell in love with the person who would become my husband, with a DQ Mr. Misty by my side. And God’s goodness was chasing after me.

In the summer of adulthood, I was more confident in who I was. I embraced motherhood, creating opportunities for them to learn, explore, and thrive. I created traditions and celebrated life in a big way. I poured myself into ministry, both as a mother and as a faithful member of the body of Christ. In this season, I made the decision to home educate. I did childcare on the side. I loved my life and strived to do everything well fueled by Diet Pepsi. And God’s goodness was chasing after me.

It is the autumn of my adulthood, and I am still loving my life. I am an empty nester enjoying the quietness of our home. We still have plenty of family moments filled with lots of hugs and kisses from grandchildren. But now, we have time to focus on each other. I have cast my net wider than the four walls of my church, as far as ministry, trying to care for those who are marginalized in my community. I published a book and hope to write another one next year. I am energized by my relationship with God and the more than occasional cup of coffee. And God’s goodness is chasing after me.

The winter of adulthood has not arrived. I hope it will be filled with family, friends, and serving my community. I pray that I grow less attached to things and more attached to God. I believe I will continue to write, learn, and explore. And some day, when I am at the end, I will drink and feast at the table of my king. Because God’s goodness chased after me.